Internet Society

When Internet exchange points (#IXPs) keep traffic local, costs fall while speed and reliability increase.

In 40 out of 50 countries we analyzed, the share of income needed to afford basic mobile broadband fell by more than 10% after receiving a grant from the Internet Society Foundation for IXP development or local peering ecosystem support. In several countries, the improvement is far larger, suggesting substantial shifts in affordability over time.

Read more: https://www.internetsociety.org/blog/2026/05/local-infrastructure-lower-costs-how-peering-is-moving-the-needle-on-internet-affordability/

A win for the Internet: The US Supreme Court ultimately decided to protect people’s Internet access in its ruling in Cox v. Sony.

While upholding strong copyright protections, the ruling recognizes the reality—and necessity—of safeguarding shared Internet connections: a household with many residents, a coffee shop with many guests, a university with many students, a community network enabling many people to access and benefit from the Internet.

Learn more ⬇️ https://internetsociety.org/blog/2026/03/us-supreme-court-unanimously-defends-internet-access-for-millions/

There is no clear global consensus on how to report fiber data, and we need one. It would make it easier to plan and implement infrastructure, ultimately bringing more people online.

That’s why we’re supporting the Open Fibre Data Standard (OFDS), which describes what data to publish about fiber optic networks and how to structure and format that data.

Read more about the OFDS, why standards matter, multistakeholder governance, and more ⬇️ https://www.internetsociety.org/blog/2026/05/an-open-fiber-data-standard-to-make-the-internet-for-everyone/

As we celebrate #EarthDay2026, what is the technical community—the people who actually build and operate the Internet—doing about climate and environmental sustainability?🤔🌎

Hear from our senior director of online trust and safety, Dan York, about some of the groups leading sustainability efforts within the Internet ecosystem and how you can get involved ⬇️ https://www.internetsociety.org/blog/2026/04/climate-and-environmental-sustainability-within-the-ietf-and-irtf/

The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)+20 review process reaffirmed the multistakeholder model of Internet governance, made the Internet Governance Forum permanent, and set a forward-looking agenda for digital development.

What happens next will determine whether or not those commitments transform into practical results.

Read more about where we will focus our efforts in supporting the implementation of the WSIS+20 commitments ⬇️ https://www.internetsociety.org/blog/2026/04/from-commitments-to-practice-internet-societys-priorities-for-wsis20-implementation/

It’s not enough to just get everyone online—people need to be able to take full advantage of their access.

That’s why, in Africa, where the connectivity discussion has traditionally focused on coverage, there’s a recent shift toward making access growth meaningful.

Hear from our senior content manager, João Aguiar, on the importance of community-centered connectivity, how policy can enable positive change, and Kenya’s path to meaningful connectivity ⬇️ https://www.internetsociety.org/blog/2026/05/from-coverage-to-meaningful-connectivity-how-kenya-is-leading-africas-internet-future/

As the High-Level Meeting comes to a close, we are excited about the newly finalized negotiations around the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)+20 resolution.

The outcome lays the foundation for the next 10 years of work on Internet governance, supported by a permanent Internet Governance Forum and a framework that remains closely linked to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Hear more on today’s outcomes from our principal of Internet technology, policy, and advocacy, Olaf Kolkman.

Many countries are increasingly turning to mandated Domain Name System (DNS) blocking to enforce regulations. Aside from being ineffective, this puts the entire Internet ecosystem in danger.

Hear from our senior director of public policy and technology, Carl Gahnberg, on what exactly DNS blocking is and the consequences of using it ⬇️ https://www.internetsociety.org/blog/2026/04/dns-blocking-mind-the-unintended-consequences/

Establishing a permanent #WorldTradeOrganization commitment to not impose customs duties on receiving data, communications, digital content, or services via the Internet would help keep the Internet open and global, support local economic development, and leave the door open for newer and more innovative forms of digital trade.

Read more from Natalie Campbell, our senior director for North American government and regulatory affairs ⬇️ https://www.internetsociety.org/blog/2026/03/keeping-the-internet-open-for-business/

From fraudulent job listings to malicious links, fake accounts, and phishing emails, online scams have skyrocketed, putting people at serious risk of financial loss, identity theft, and privacy breaches.

But luckily, there are some common warning signs you can learn to identify, so you can avoid scams and keep yourself safe. Learn more ⬇️ https://www.internetsociety.org/blog/2026/04/anatomy-of-a-scam/

Today is the first day of the NDSS Symposium 2026, and we’re here in San Diego!

We’re ready to talk all things network and distributed system security, and learn from the experts presenting their research this year. Hear from our senior director for Internet trust, Robin Wilton, as we kick off an exciting week ahead!

As UK policymakers attempt to address online harms through interventions like access bans and age restrictions, they risk fragmenting the web, weakening privacy, and creating barriers to access and participation.

That’s why we joined a coalition of organizations calling for thoughtful, evidence-based approaches that address online harms while preserving privacy, interoperability, user agency, and the open Internet.

Read the full statement: https://blog.mozilla.org/netpolicy/files/2026/05/UK-joint-statement-against-age-gates_final.pdf

Applications for our Mid Career Fellowship are OPEN until 20 April!😃

This seven-month program equips mid career Internet champions with the knowledge, skills, and tools to enable inclusive, innovative, holistic, and strategic leadership.

Learn more and apply: https://www.internetsociety.org/fellowships/mid-career/

For three decades, we have benefitted from a safer, more open, and more interactive Internet thanks to Section 230 in the US and laws modeled after it.

This crucial, yet misunderstood legislation is under regular attack, and we must continue to defend it. Learn more about Section 230, its history, and its future ⬇️ https://www.internetsociety.org/blog/2026/02/30-years-of-section-230-why-we-still-need-it-for-a-safer-internet/

We’re proud to introduce our 2026 Youth Ambassadors! 😄👏

Over the next year, these future Internet leaders will connect deeply with the Internet governance sphere, expand their networks, and learn more about collaborating and innovating for a better world.

Get to know our newest cohort: https://www.internetsociety.org/policy-programs/youth-ambassadors/2026/

Don’t wait! Applications for our Early Career Fellowship close TOMORROW, 17 February! If you’re an early career professional who works in the Internet ecosystem and is interested in growing or strengthening the Internet, apply today ⬇️ https://www.internetsociety.org/fellowships/early-career/

Networks that are deployed by and with local communities result in stronger outcomes and more meaningful connectivity.

Hear from our senior advisor for Indigenous community connectivity, Sharayah Lane, on the community-centered connectivity model and how it can help advance connectivity efforts in Indigenous communities ⬇️ https://www.internetsociety.org/blog/2026/04/digital-inclusion-and-indigenous-connectivity/

Connectivity is essential, but it’s not enough. Everyone deserves access to a safe Internet.

That’s why, on this Safer Internet Day, we’re proud to announce our Safer Internet Initiative! Through this initiative, we’ll be fighting back against online threats with targeted education, funding, and advocacy.🌐

Learn more about the Safer Internet Initiative: https://www.internetsociety.org/blog/2026/02/safer-internet-initiative/

It’s always a pleasure to connect with our community around the world, which is why we’ll be at the Asia Pacific Regional Internet Conference on Operational Technologies (#APRICOT2026) in Jakarta, Indonesia!

We are proud to have supported APRICOT for more than two decades, and we’ve got some great events lined up this year. Will we see you in Jakarta?

RE: @internetsociety@techpolicy.social

Reminder: The first speech starts in 30 minutes (10:40 a.m. CST). Join the live stream here: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1618326530?pwd=BDpYgwfT6MOBkSgQIoKoO5311DbjCb.1

This Women's Month, we're proud to introduce #WomenWhoConnect.

Across the globe, women are leading the way, sharing their experience, time, and passion to ensure the Internet remains a tool for everyone.

Each story is a reminder that when women lead, communities gain new pathways to knowledge, opportunity, and empowerment. Learn more and meet the women bridging the digital divide in their communities ⬇️ https://www.internetsociety.org/blog/2026/03/women-who-connect-celebrating-six-women-championing-the-internet/

Refugees are one of the populations most affected by the digital divide. Yet for many, connectivity is a critical tool for safety, education, access to services, and maintaining ties with family and community.

That’s why, at Uganda’s Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement, home to 192,000 people, we helped train residents on bringing connectivity to their community and developing digital skills.

Read the full story ⬇️ https://www.internetsociety.org/blog/2025/12/learning-to-build-and-use-the-internet-in-rhino-refugee-camp/

We have to stay committed to the multistakeholder model of Internet governance, says our president and CEO, Sally Wentworth.

She discusses Internet governance, misguided policy, our work here at the Internet Society, and more on the TechSequences podcast.

Listen to the full episode ⬇️ https://www.techsequences.org/podcasts/2026/01/dual-crisis-the-splintering-of-the-open-internet/

Hello, 2026! We’ll be celebrating the new year the way we know best—by defending an open, globally connected Internet for everyone. 🌐

Check out our 2026 Action Plan to learn more about what we’ll be up to this year: https://www.internetsociety.org/action-plan/2026/

RE: @internetsociety@techpolicy.social

Don’t forget—Mid Career Fellowship applications close in ONE WEEK!

If you’re a mid career Internet professional, don’t miss out on this opportunity to develop your leadership skills, learn from world-class experts, and expand your network.

https://www.internetsociety.org/fellowships/mid-career/

Don’t wait! Today is the LAST DAY to double your impact when you donate to the Internet Society! 😮

Our co-founder, Vint Cerf, will match the first $25k in donations—but only until the end of the year. So if you want your generous gift to go twice as far, consider giving today.

Making a last-minute donation? No problem! You can give in 30 seconds or less with our fast, mobile-friendly portal: https://donorportal.internetsociety.org/-/XCMRNEKL

Governments around the world are increasingly turning to age verification to try to restrict access to certain content on the Internet. While these laws may be well-intentioned, they can cause:

🛡️Privacy and security risks
💡Accessibility concerns
🔓A false sense of security

Learn more about our joint amicus brief with the Center for Democracy and Technology ( @CenDemTech@techpolicy.social ) ⬇️

https://www.internetsociety.org/blog/2024/09/texas-mandatory-age-verification-law-will-weaken-privacy-and-security-on-the-internet/

#privacy #security

Will you help support the next generation of Internet champions?

In 2025, we helped 150+ fellows grow their networks, strengthen their skills, and gain experience to advance in their careers.

Across eight free programs, they attended events around the world like the Internet Governance Forum, participated in panels and discussions, and developed their own projects.

Donate today: https://donorportal.internetsociety.org/-/XCMRNEKL

The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)+20 Outcome Document is finalized, and we’re excited about how it will support a stable, global Internet governance ecosystem moving forward.

Read on to learn more about some of our key takeaways from the document. https://www.internetsociety.org/blog/2025/12/wsis20-reaffirms-multistakeholder-governance-and-a-lasting-igf/

Multistakeholder governance has helped preserve the open, global nature of the Internet. But how can this model strengthen the digital ecosystem against emerging threats?

On 16 March, Chris Locke, executive vice president and managing director of the Internet Society Foundation, will speak at the CITEL 2030 Forum: High‑Level Dialogues on the Digital Future. He will discuss the multistakeholder model, digital security, Internet resilience, and more.

Livestream the event: https://www.oas.org/citelevents/en/Events/View/1713

Did you know that the first season of the Internet Changemakers podcast is now available on YouTube?

In each episode, our hosts tackle critical topics like online trust, privacy, and affordable access with pioneers, thought leaders, and innovators. Guests include visionaries like Vint Cerf, one of the “fathers of the Internet,” and Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist.

Stream the full first season ⬇️ https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXCJAukq_OVELZl1JA7lV2Lbd9qppQ84B&si=zKWViGmIN24NWHfA

Don’t miss it—our first community call of the year is coming up next week!😃

Join expert speakers and community representatives to discuss critical Internet issues, engage with campaigns, mobilize locally, and celebrate achievements.

Learn more and register: https://www.internetsociety.org/events/community-calls-2026/

The Internet Society Pulse platform hosts a wealth of global data on Internet shutdowns, Internet exchange points (IXPs), Internet resilience, and more. This data can be a useful research tool, but it is also just fascinating to explore!

If you’re curious about the state of the Internet in your country, check out Pulse country reports to learn more: https://pulse.internetsociety.org/en/reports/

Banning #TikTok would be a dangerous decision, risking the security of millions and the open, global Internet.

Senior Director, North American Government and Regulatory Affairs, Natalie Campbell, and Senior Policy and Advocacy Expert, John Perrino break down the global impact of a US TikTok ban: https://www.internetsociety.org/blog/2025/01/the-global-impact-of-a-us-tiktok-ban/

Will you help us push back against Internet shutdowns?

When the government of South Sudan ordered a block on all social media sites, our local chapter sprang into action, immediately drafting a letter to parliament and connecting with journalists. Just five days later, the order was lifted.

Internet shutdowns are all too common—in 2025, there were 94 of them in 14 countries—and they have devastating social and economic effects.

Donate today: https://donorportal.internetsociety.org/-/XCMRNEKL

Applications for our 2026 Early Career Fellowship are OPEN until 17 February!!😃

This fellowship empowers a new generation of Internet champions who will bridge the gap between technology and policy. Fellows will learn from Internet luminaries and receive direct support for their professional growth.

Learn more about the program and apply today: https://www.internetsociety.org/fellowships/early-career/

Build your Internet expertise! Registration is now open for moderated courses starting 2 February. ✏️

Our courses empower professionals with the knowledge they need to develop new skills, advance in their careers, and become Internet champions.

Register today: https://www.internetsociety.org/learning/

The Middle East and North Africa (#MENA) region is rapidly becoming a global digital hub, particularly for artificial intelligence and cloud computing. But integrating these technologies introduces policy challenges.

As MENA continues its technological development, governments must shape digital policies that support innovation, investment, and an open Internet. Learn more ⬇️ https://www.internetsociety.org/blog/2026/01/navigating-data-governance-privacy-intermediary-liability-and-encryption-in-the-rapidly-digitalizing-mena/