Internet Society provides technical and policy expertise, infrastructure, funds, and skills training—key components of an accessible, reliable, and safe Internet. Rooted in the origins of the Internet, the organization is passionate about preserving the foundations on which it was built and developing its full potential. Internet Society recognizes that while the Internet is a transformative force, not everyone benefits from it equally, with around 2 billion people still lacking connectivity and online safety increasingly threatened by inability to trust that personal information is in our control. The stakes have never been higher. Internet Society partners with communities to help people overcome their unique barriers to connectivity, whether geographic, technical, regulatory, or financial. As part of its 2030 Strategy, the organization focuses on addressing two critical global challenges facing the Internet: lack of trust in the Internet, because everyone deserves an Internet experience that is safe, secure, and protects them online; and global inequality, because people everywhere need access to affordable, reliable, and resilient Internet.
Why it matters: Internet Society matters because it combines technical expertise, infrastructure, policy advocacy, and skills training to address both connectivity gaps affecting 2 billion people and erosion of trust threatening online safety, recognizing these as inseparable challenges requiring comprehensive solutions. By partnering with communities to overcome unique barriers to connectivity—geographic, technical, regulatory, or financial—rather than applying one-size-fits-all approaches, Internet Society demonstrates that achieving universal access requires understanding local contexts and community-driven solutions. The organization’s rootedness in the Internet’s origins while working toward its full potential shows that preserving foundational principles while addressing emerging threats is essential for ensuring everyone benefits equally from this transformative force, making trustworthy, accessible Internet a reality rather than a privilege.
