Internet Policy

Policies can either improve the Internet or harm it for us all.

Policies can either improve the Internet or harm it for us all.

Under pressure from social challenges and business interests, governments’ efforts to regulate various aspects of the Internet are intensifying worldwide. But even well-meaning policies can undermine the Internet’s global nature and core infrastructure—by design or by accident.

The Internet works best for everyone when the technical community and civil society are at the decision-making table. We help governments make informed decisions by educating policymakers on how the Internet actually works.

Internet Policy

Policies can either improve the Internet or harm it for us all.

people sitting on a hillside, focused on a cell phone

Under pressure from social challenges and business interests, governments’ efforts to regulate various aspects of the Internet are intensifying worldwide. But even well-meaning policies can undermine the Internet’s global nature and core infrastructure—by design or by accident.

The Internet works best for everyone when the technical community and civil society are at the decision-making table. We help governments make informed decisions by educating policymakers on how the Internet actually works.

Key Internet Policy Links

Key Internet Policy Links

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How Policymakers Run the Internet

Internet policy is shaped by a global ecosystem of legislators, regulators, international organizations, civil society groups, and technical and policy experts.

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Understanding Internet Intermediaries

Internet intermediaries are crucial to the Internet’s existence. Read our policy framework for Internet intermediaries and content.

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Promoting Internet Governance

The Internet works best when it is governed by many. We advocate for a multistakeholder approach to Internet governance, where all interested actors can participate.

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Influencing Policy in the Courts

Our Amicus Program gives the Internet a voice in courts worldwide, where legal decisions, interpretations, and regulations affect the functioning of the Internet.

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How to Advocate for the Internet

It’s up to all of us to protect and defend what the Internet needs to exist and thrive. Learn more about what you can do to make a difference.

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Keeping the Internet Open

Any policy or decision that undermines the open, global, interoperable nature of the Internet contributes to fragmentation.

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Keeping the Internet Secure

Encryption empowers people and keeps them safe online. It is a vital tool for protecting ourselves in a digital society.

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Connecting People to the Internet

We help craft and promote policies for different regulatory and legislative bodies that enable people to connect to the Internet.

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Analyze a Law Proposal

Explore our toolkit to learn more about building strong arguments to defend the Internet and assessing how policies may impact it.

Encryption Protects Everyone

Encryption Protects Everyone

We organized a workshop in Brussels for civil society organizations to explore legislative threats to encryption and to develop joint policy strategies to help reach and inform policymakers about the importance of encryption for everyday users.

Hear from the participants about their experience and why they are passionate about advocating for strong encryption.

Latest Updates

Latest Updates

Policy Brief: Internet Governance

This policy brief explores the key considerations, challenges, and provides guiding principles of multistakeholder Internet governance of openness, inclusiveness, transparency, …

A Once-Overlooked Tool: How Community Networks Connected Haiti and the World 

Community networks connect us to opportunities across borders and across the globe. Their journey to mainstream discussion has not always …

Remarks Provided at the WSIS+20 Virtual Stakeholder Consultations on Rev. 1

Read the remarks provided by Mona Gaballa at the WSIS+20 Stakeholder Consultations on Rev.1 held on 14 November 2025 …

Endorse the Internet Society’s Analysis of the WSIS+20 Rev. 1

We invite you to endorse the Internet Society’s analysis of the WSIS+20 Rev. 1, which reflects the diverse voices, experiences, and …

WSIS+20 Revision 1 (Rev.1) Matrix – Internet Society Analysis

This document represents our ongoing efforts to identify how the language proposed in the first revision of the WSIS+20 Zero …

Policy Brief: Enhancing the Resilience of Submarine Internet Infrastructure

This document presents a forward-looking and optimistic approach to enhancing Internet resilience through practical and policy-driven solutions …

World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025 (WTDC-25) Issues Matrix

This chart summarizes and systematizes the proposed changes to Internet-related WTDC-22 resolutions …

Internet Society Pulse Research Week

This December, Internet Society and its partners will be holding four days of Internet measurement research discussions and training, highlighting …

Mandated DNS Blocking: Critical Considerations

Mandated DNS blocking is the wrong tool for public policy enforcement. The DNS exists to make the Internet usable, not …

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