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

The Data Dump Dilemma: Why Public Digital Platforms Risk Failing the People They Serve 

A data dump occurs when platforms demand exhaustive personal details upfront, creating friction for users while offering little additional value …

Your Internet Access Is at Risk. We’re Speaking Up

The US Supreme Court will soon consider a case that could fundamentally change how you access the Internet and affect …

Policy Brief: Perspectives on Internet Content Blocking

The Internet Society encourages policymakers to prioritize solutions that tackle harmful content at its source, rather than relying on blunt …

How to Achieve Universal Connectivity

Achieving universal connectivity will require action from many actors—governments, regulators, communities, civil society, and the private sector. Community-centered connectivity offers …

What Is Internet Resilience?

A resilient Internet connection is one that can maintain an acceptable level of service in the face of faults and …

The Internet of Wonder: How a Scientific Livestream Became a Cultural Phenomenon

A scientific expedition in Argentina is becoming a cultural phenomenon thanks to the Internet, pulling in thousands of livestream viewers …

The Power of Volunteers: Connecting an Indigenous Community in Panama

The Internet Society Panama Chapter had a plan. They would build the country’s first community network and bring the Internet to …

Is Your IXP at Risk of Becoming a “Zombie”?

Over time, some Internet exchange points (IXPs) begin to operate on autopilot—what we call “Zombie IXPs.” This can diminish performance …

Global Encryption Day 2025

Organize an event for Global Encryption Day 2025. Participate in an event organized in your part of the world or online. Register …

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