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

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 …

Making Internet Policy Make Sense—Your Multilingual Guide to the Internet 

Designed for general audiences, the Internet Policy Glossary makes 75 key Internet policy terms accessible in English, French, and Spanish, …

From Connectivity to Capability: Rethinking the Digital Divide 

India’s rapid digitalization has been remarkable. But connectivity and processes alone do not guarantee capability. The digital divide today is …

Policy Brief: Open Internet Standards

By actively promoting and formally recognizing open standards in public policy, we can protect the building blocks that enable interoperability, …

Policy Brief: Internet Shutdowns

This policy brief urges policymakers to adopt policies that eliminate shutdowns as a tool and to analyze and weigh the …

Remarks Provided at the WSIS+20 Stakeholder Consultations

Read the remarks provided by Israel Rosas at the WSIS+20 Stakeholder Consultations held on 27 October 2025 …

Remarks Provided during Informal Interactive WSIS Stakeholder Consultations on the Zero-Draft

Read the remarks provided by Mona Gaballa at Informal Interactive WSIS Stakeholder Consultations on the Zero-Draft on 14 October 2025 …

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