Defending the Internet: The Role of the Internet Society in the United Nations

The Internet Society (ISOC) plays a crucial role in defending the Internet and promoting its open, borderless nature within the United Nations (UN). As a global organization dedicated to ensuring that the Internet remains a global resource for everyone, ISOC works tirelessly to advocate for policies that support the Internet's open and collaborative ecosystem. In this article, we will explore the importance of the Internet Society's involvement in the UN and its impact on the global Internet community.

The Internet Society's involvement in the UN is essential for several reasons. Firstly, the UN brings together all nations to discuss global issues, including digital cooperation and Internet governance. By observing these processes, ISOC can identify risks and opportunities, enabling it to engage in multilateral processes and advocate for the Internet's open and borderless nature. Secondly, the UN's wide network of specialized agencies addresses various matters, making it an ideal platform for ISOC to collaborate with other stakeholders and share its expertise. Lastly, the UN's role in Internet governance, as defined by the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), emphasizes the importance of a multistakeholder approach, which aligns with ISOC's mission to foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

The Internet Society's work in the UN focuses on several key areas. Firstly, ISOC defends the Internet's open and borderless nature by advocating for policies that support its technical rules and infrastructure. It does this by engaging in preparatory meetings, joining forces with experts and partners, and advocating for a single, global Internet. Secondly, ISOC works to extend encryption, highlighting its importance for online safety and security. It informs governments about the potential consequences of their decisions on Internet security and mobilizes its network to amplify the pro-encryption message. Lastly, ISOC guides constructive Internet policy by working with other stakeholders to develop policies that balance innovation and risk, enhance digital contributions to peace and development, and safeguard rights online.

The Internet Society's involvement in the UN benefits the global Internet community in several ways. Firstly, it helps to ensure that the Internet remains open, globally connected, secure, and trustworthy. By advocating for policies that support the Internet's open and borderless nature, ISOC helps to preserve the Internet's integrity and accessibility for all users. Secondly, ISOC's work in the UN promotes the multistakeholder model, which fosters collaboration among diverse stakeholders. This approach ensures that the Internet's evolution is informed by a broad range of perspectives, leading to more inclusive and effective decision-making. Lastly, ISOC's involvement in the UN helps to counter Internet threats by identifying and addressing unanticipated threats, as well as strengthening its base of like-minded advocates to amplify its message against Internet fragmentation.

In conclusion, the Internet Society's involvement in the United Nations is vital for the global Internet community. By defending the Internet's open and borderless nature, promoting the multistakeholder model, and countering Internet threats, ISOC helps to ensure that the Internet remains a global resource for everyone. As the global Internet community continues to evolve, the Internet Society's work in the UN will remain an essential component of preserving the Internet's open, borderless, and collaborative ecosystem.