Policy Briefs - Internet Society https://www.internetsociety.org/resources/policybriefs/ We empower people to keep the Internet a force for good: open, globally connected, secure, and trustworthy. Join us. Wed, 27 Sep 2023 11:06:42 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.1 https://www.internetsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/cropped-ISOC-Symbol-Ground-navy-690px-1-32x32.jpg Policy Briefs - Internet Society https://www.internetsociety.org/resources/policybriefs/ 32 32 Policy Brief: Internet Shutdowns https://www.internetsociety.org/policybriefs/internet-shutdowns/ Wed, 18 Dec 2019 13:00:30 +0000 https://www.internetsociety.org/?post_type=resources&p=66537 An Internet shutdown can be defined as an “intentional disruption of Internet or electronic communications, rendering them inaccessible or effectively unusable, for a specific population or within a location often to exert control over the flow of information

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Policy Brief: IoT Privacy for Policymakers https://www.internetsociety.org/policybriefs/iot-privacy-for-policymakers/ Thu, 19 Sep 2019 14:49:39 +0000 https://www.internetsociety.org/?post_type=resources&p=105014 Introduction The Internet of Things, or IoT, is the latest wave of integration of technology into our lives and surroundings. This rapidly-spreading new generation of devices brings cameras, microphones, sensors, computing, and network access into non-computer products. It extends into the home, retail and public spaces, enabling new forms of interaction, entertainment, commerce, and communication. […]

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Policy Brief: Principles for Responsible Data Handling https://www.internetsociety.org/policybriefs/responsible-data-handling/ Tue, 02 Jul 2019 13:14:09 +0000 https://www.internetsociety.org/?post_type=resources&p=102041 Introduction More and more of our activities generate data which is collected and used in ways we don’t see and can’t control. While the data is used for analytics and targeted advertising that can potentially improve services enhance our experience as consumers or public service users, its use can also undermine privacy, autonomy, and trust […]

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Unleashing Community Networks: Innovative Licensing Approaches https://www.internetsociety.org/resources/2018/unleashing-community-networks-innovative-licensing-approaches/ Mon, 14 May 2018 16:13:56 +0000 https://www.internetsociety.org/?post_type=resources&p=79382 After more than 25 years of Internet development, there still remains a profound connectivity “gap” in many parts of the world, particularly in developing nations, leaving over half the global population without Internet access.

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IoT Security for Policymakers https://www.internetsociety.org/resources/2018/iot-security-for-policymakers/ Thu, 19 Apr 2018 10:48:32 +0000 https://www.internetsociety.org/?post_type=resources&p=77858 “Cybersecurity will be the most pressing challenge of the next decade, and IoT will play a critical role in it.” Internet Society 2017 Global Internet Report Introduction The open nature of the Internet creates the ability to connect devices, applications and services on a scale that transforms the way we interact with our environment and […]

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Policy Brief: Spectrum Approaches for Community Networks https://www.internetsociety.org/policybriefs/spectrum/ Tue, 10 Oct 2017 15:00:44 +0000 https://www.internetsociety.org/?post_type=resources&p=61146 Community networks are built and operated by people in the community; they are the result of people working together, combining their resources, organizing their efforts, and connecting themselves to close connectivity and cultural gaps.

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Policy Brief: Internet Invariants https://www.internetsociety.org/policybriefs/internetinvariants/ Tue, 18 Oct 2016 09:33:07 +0000 http://www.internetsociety.org/?post_type=resources&p=30456/ As the Internet becomes an increasingly more pervasive and critical piece of infrastructure, we need to understand both the network’s challenges and opportunities if we want it to continue to serve as a vehicle for social empowerment and economic growth. This means knowing why the Internet works the way it does and why we should not interfere with its fundamental properties, called Internet invariants—properties that do not change even as the Internet does. These consistent architectural principles and structural rules facilitate the Internet’s undisturbed evolution. 

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Policy Brief: Zero-Rating https://www.internetsociety.org/policybriefs/zerorating/ Fri, 07 Oct 2016 13:54:21 +0000 http://www.internetsociety.org/?post_type=resources&p=30576/ Recognizing that zero-rating has become a marketing tool for service providers and a policy issue for regulators, the Internet Society aims to provide a general framework for reviewing zero-rating offers.

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Policy Brief: The Internet of Things https://www.internetsociety.org/policybriefs/iot/ Thu, 06 Oct 2016 13:57:58 +0000 http://www.internetsociety.org/?post_type=resources&p=30597/ Billions of smart devices are expected to come online in the coming decade, bringing with them the promise of global economic opportunities and new innovations that will transform the way we work, live, and play.

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Policy Brief: Encryption https://www.internetsociety.org/policybriefs/encryption/ Thu, 09 Jun 2016 15:07:59 +0000 http://www.internetsociety.org/?post_type=resources&p=29815/ Encryption technologies enable Internet users to protect the confidentiality of their data and communications from unwanted observation and intrusion.

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Policy Brief: Identity on the Internet https://www.internetsociety.org/policybriefs/identity/ Thu, 09 Jun 2016 08:57:26 +0000 http://www.internetsociety.org/?post_type=resources&p=30430/ On the Internet, your digital identity is not just a name, it is who you are and your key to online interactions. Digital identities help users protect their privacy; segregate personal, social, and professional online presences; and engage in trusted transactions with storefronts, banks, medical providers, and governments. Identity-driven innovation can encourage a more secure banking sector, more trusted digital trade (e.g., electronic signatures and mobile payments), and a more efficient e-government sector (e.g., electronic tax returns and e-voting). For these reasons, digital identity is a key aspect of many Internet policy issues, including privacy, consumer protection goals, e-government services, digital trade, and trust in the digital economy. In short, a trusted digital-identity ecosystem is a critical component of a trusted Internet.

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Policy Brief: Adoption of IPv6 https://www.internetsociety.org/policybriefs/ipv6/ Wed, 20 Apr 2016 11:12:44 +0000 http://www.internetsociety.org/?post_type=resources&p=30478/ The IPv6 protocol standard is critical for supporting the Internet’s continued development. Network operators, content providers, software and hardware developers, and enterprises, among others, need to implement IPv6 in order to ensure efficiency, global connectivity, and long-term growth of the Internet.

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Policy Brief: Botnets https://www.internetsociety.org/policybriefs/botnets/ Fri, 30 Oct 2015 15:37:06 +0000 http://www.internetsociety.org/?post_type=resources&p=2926/ Botnets are a complex and continuously evolving challenge to user confidence and security on the Internet. Combating botnets requires cross-border and multidisciplinary collaboration, innovative technical approaches, and the widespread deployment of mitigation measures that respect the fundamental principles of the Internet.

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Policy Brief: The Challenge of Spam https://www.internetsociety.org/policybriefs/spam/ Fri, 30 Oct 2015 12:11:10 +0000 http://www.internetsociety.org/?post_type=resources&p=30557/ The proliferation of spam email presents a harmful, costly, and evolving threat to Internet users. Governments can help reduce the impact of spam by deterring offenders via effective laws and enforcement measures, multistakeholder antispam efforts, the adoption of best practices, and citizen education about the dangers of spam.

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Policy Brief: Privacy https://www.internetsociety.org/policybriefs/privacy/ Fri, 30 Oct 2015 12:03:34 +0000 http://www.internetsociety.org/?post_type=resources&p=30541/ Privacy helps reinforce user trust of online services, yet online privacy is under constant pressure of being undermined. Promoting strong, technologyneutral data-privacy laws, privacy-by-design principles, and ethical data-collection and handling principles is a key approach to protecting and fostering online privacy.

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Policy Brief: Open Internet Standards https://www.internetsociety.org/policybriefs/openstandards/ Fri, 30 Oct 2015 11:53:00 +0000 http://www.internetsociety.org/?post_type=resources&p=30523/ Open Internet standards are a foundation of the Internet, allowing anyone to set up a new online service and make it available to the rest of the Internet without requiring permission from anyone else. Broad, multistakeholder participation in Internet standards processes and recognition of open standards by governmental and regulatory bodies are important for the continued growth and evolution of the Internet.

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Policy Brief: Network Neutrality https://www.internetsociety.org/policybriefs/networkneutrality/ Fri, 30 Oct 2015 11:47:52 +0000 http://www.internetsociety.org/?post_type=resources&p=2918/ Network neutrality is a complex and controversial topic and is an important part of a free and open Internet. Enabling access, choice, and transparency of Internet offerings empowers users to benefit from full access to services, applications, and content available on the Internet.

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Policy Brief: Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) https://www.internetsociety.org/policybriefs/ixps/ Fri, 30 Oct 2015 11:37:01 +0000 http://www.internetsociety.org/?post_type=resources&p=30510/ Internet exchange points (IXPs) can improve Internet quality and affordability in local communities. IXPs help strengthen local Internet connectivity, develop local Internet industry, improve competitiveness, and serve as a hub for technical activity.

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Policy Brief: Local Content https://www.internetsociety.org/policybriefs/localcontent/ Fri, 30 Oct 2015 11:15:40 +0000 http://www.internetsociety.org/?post_type=resources&p=30494/ Creation of and access to relevant local online content in developing countries is an important driver for the adoption and growth of the Internet in those regions. Well-functioning local connectivity, government support of content development and training, and a clear legal regulatory environment are critical for the growth of local content.

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Policy Brief: Internet Interconnection https://www.internetsociety.org/policybriefs/internetinterconnection/ Fri, 30 Oct 2015 09:36:32 +0000 http://www.internetsociety.org/?post_type=resources&p=30465/ The success of the Internet depends on reliable, efficient, and cost-effective interconnections among networks. Governments need to create policy and regulatory environments that remove artificial barriers and foster flexibility in interconnecting networks.

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