Internet Society Mission Statement

"To assure the open development, evolution and use of the Internet for the benefit of all people throughout the world."

Internet Society Guiding Principles

• Open, unencumbered, beneficial use of the Internet.
• Self-regulated content providers; no prior censorship of on-line communications.
• On-line free expression is not restricted by other indirect means such as excessively restrictive governmental or private controls over computer hardware or software, telecommunications infrastructure, or other essential components of the Internet.
• Open forum for the development of standards and Internet technology.
• No discrimination in use of the Internet on the basis of race, color, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status.
• Personal information generated on the Internet is neither misused nor used by another without informed consent of the principal.
• Internet users may encrypt their communication and information without restriction.
• Encouragement of cooperation between networks: Connectivity is its own reward, therefore network providers are rewarded by cooperation with each other.