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

a group of people writing

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.

Two women on a porch, collaborating on a laptop

Understanding Internet Intermediaries

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

A man in a yellow shirt stands at a podium, delivering a speech

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.

Photo of the US Supreme Court Building in Washington, DC

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.

Two men standing side by side on a sidewalk talking

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.

A person in the mountains holds a cell phone

Keeping the Internet Open

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

A person takes a photo with a cell phone

Keeping the Internet Secure

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

A man stands in front of a charging computer and an Internet Society sign

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.

Woman in green and black scarf giving a speech at a conference.

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

Internet Society Public Policy team launches working party on HADOPI-style laws

The Internet Society’s Public Policy team today issued a call for members to participate in a working group to consider …

OECD Welcomes Formation of The Internet Technical Advisory Committee (ITAC)

Formation of ITAC Set To Safeguard Internet Development and Innovation Through Multi-stakeholder Internet Governance OECD Recognition for Open Industry Dialogue …

Design visions of past ensure future generations of networking

Internet Society urges ITU to protect Internet’s unique development model for future evolution and expansion Lisbon, Portugal, 22 April 2009 …

ISOC posts report of Internet Governance survey

The Internet Society conducted a survey of members on the topic of Internet Governance in April and May 2009. The …

Internet Society Calls for Conclusion of Agreement Between US Department of Commerce and ICANN

Statement supports multi-stakeholder approach and continued progress on transparency, inclusiveness, and accountability [Washington, D.C., USA – 4 June, 2009]  The …

The Future of Privacy IGF workshop report

A report from a workshop co-organised by the Internet Society (ISOC) and the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) at the 2010 …

Open Inter-networking

Getting the fundamentals right: access, choice, and transparency The modern Internet features increasing complexity of uses and demand for bandwidth …

NGN and the Internet

The phrase “Next Generation Network” (NGN) has both a generic and specific meaning. Generically, it is used to refer to …

The Internet and Standards

The Internet is built on technical standards, which allow devices, services, and applications to be interoperable across a wide and …

Image copyright:
© Nyani Quarmyne, © Flawless Events, © Jordi Ruiz Cirera, © Flawless Events, creative commons, © Chris Gregory, © Nyani Quarmyne, © Wharton Image, © Internet Society, © Frederic Courbet/Panos Pictures