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.

Read the Blog Post

Latest Updates

Latest Updates

World Telecommunication/ICT Policy Forum (WTPF-26)
Events

World Telecommunication/ICT Policy Forum (WTPF-26)

At WTPF-26, the Internet Society will promote complementary access and networking solutions, such as community-centered connectivity solutions …
Central Africa Peering Forum 2026
Events

Central Africa Peering Forum 2026

Join us at the Central Africa Peering Forum (CAPF) 2026, from 30 September to 1 October, to explore peering, interconnection, …
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News

Improving Connectivity: CCC Bootcamp Held in the Philippines

The first Internet Society CCC Bootcamp in Asia-Pacific took place in the Philippines, empowering communities with connectivity skills and supported …
Background Paper on ITU Plenipotentiary 2026
Resources

Background Paper on ITU Plenipotentiary 2026

A general overview of the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference and perspectives on the main Internet-related issues that may be discussed …
Advocacy: UK Government Confirms It Will Not Restrict VPNs
News

Advocacy: UK Government Confirms It Will Not Restrict VPNs

The Internet Society is celebrating a significant advocacy win in the United Kingdom, where the government has confirmed that it …
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News

India’s Toda Community Builds Technical Skills

The Internet Society empowers Indigenous communities with training to build sustainable connectivity, local skills, and inclusive digital futures …
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Blog

Advancing a Connected Future for Indigenous Communities

Community-led Internet initiatives are empowering Indigenous communities worldwide through meaningful connectivity, digital inclusion, and self-determined digital futures …
Pulse Research Week 2026
Events

Pulse Research Week 2026

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Pulse Internet Measurement Forum, Washington D.C.
Events

Pulse Internet Measurement Forum, Washington D.C.

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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