Basic Definition of Internet Governance

Internet Governance refers to the rules, policies, standards, and practices that coordinate and shape how the Internet is managed globally. It involves multiple stakeholders working together to ensure the Internet remains open, secure, and accessible for everyone.

The Internet Governance Ecosystem

The Internet’s infrastructure is operated across borders and by a range of different stakeholders. It is a complex but robust ecosystem where each part of the Internet can rely on many other parts working together but often independently. (Internet Society, 2016)

Multistakeholder Model

“A collaborative approach where different groups, including governments, private sector, civil society, academia, and technical community, work together to manage the Internet and address issues of interest.”

Key Stakeholders:

• Governments: Set policies and regulations.
• Private Sector: Develops technology and infrastructure.
• Civil Society: Advocates for users' rights and interests.
• Academia: Provides research and expertise.
• Technical Community: Ensures the technical operation and development of the Internet.
• Youth: Drive innovation and advocacy in Internet governance.

Internet Governance initiatives and organizations

1. Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN): A global organization responsible for coordinating the Internet's system of unique identifiers, such as domain names and IP addresses.


2. Internet Society (ISOC): A nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting an open, globally connected, secure, and trustworthy Internet.


3. United Nations International Telecommunication Union (ITU): A specialized UN agency responsible for issues related to information and communication technologies (ICTs).


4. Internet Governance Forum (IGF): A multistakeholder platform established by the United Nations to facilitate discussions on Internet governance.


5. Internet Technical Advisory Committee (ITAC) to the OECD: A body that provides technical expertise and insights on Internet governance to the OECD.


6. World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS): A UN-convened initiative aimed at promoting a global information society.


7. World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT): A conference held under the ITU to review the International Telecommunication Regulations (ITRs).


8. Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs): National and international agencies responsible for enforcing laws and regulations, including those related to cybercrime.


9. National and Regional IGF Initiatives (NRIs): Local versions of the IGF, promoting discussions on Internet governance at national and regional levels.


10. RIRs: The five RIRs manage the allocation and registration of Internet number resources in different regions.


11. Youth Initiatives: Programs aimed at involving young people in Internet governance discussions.

Global Bodies Governing Internet

Internet Governance Timeline

Comparison of Different Types of Internet Governance Events

Aspect	School of Internet Governance (SIG)	Internet Governance Academies	Internet Governance Forums (IGF)
Purpose	Educate and build capacity on Internet governance topics	Provide specialized training and advanced understanding	Facilitate open dialogue on Internet governance
Participants	Students, young professionals, newcomers	Young leaders, policy makers, students	Governments, private sector, civil society, academia, technical community
Format	Intensive training sessions, workshops, lectures	Academic courses, seminars, practical exercises	Panel discussions, workshops, open forums, collaborative sessions
Focus	Foundational knowledge, skill development, hands-on learning	In-depth study, policy analysis, leadership skills	Policy dialogue, multi-stakeholder collaboration, global challenges
Example	Asia Pacific School of Internet Governance (APSIG), African School on Internet Governance (AfriSIG)	Asia-Pacific Internet Governance Academy (APIGA)	Global Internet Governance Forum (IGF), Asia Pacific Regional IGF (APrIGF)