Internet Society

“We realized the mobile Internet had gone, and nobody quite knew what would still work. Then someone suggested Bitchat. What surprised me was how quickly people adapted. We could still exchange short messages with those nearby, check where friends were, and pass on small bits of information such as which side the police were on, or which side the food van was available, or where one could charge their phones.” Saadia Azim, PhD speaks with students who attended the Jantar Mantar, Delhi protest, about how they circumvented the localized mobile Internet restrictions during July this year, as part of our new #CostOfAccess series. https://lnkd.in/ghx-H4Bi

The Internet’s long-term success depends on people. By strengthening the ability of communities to participate in shaping its future, we can help ensure that the Internet remains a positive force for empowerment, innovation, and growth. Earlier this month, we held a Community Advocacy Workshop in Kigali, Rwanda. Our Community Advocacy Workshops empower Internet Society community leaders with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to advocate for an Internet that is open, affordable, and trustworthy. Thanks to all of our community members who participated!

Last week, our team had the pleasure of traveling to Kigali for the African Peering and Interconnection Forum (#AfPIF). We had a chance to catch up with some of our organization members, fellows, partners, community members, and more. The connections that people build at AfPIF are priceless, and the transition of this event to the community has been amazing to see. A huge thank you to DE-CIX for being our fellowship sponsor!👏

Critical infrastructure is making the Internet more reliable in Malawi. New Internet exchange points (IXPs) have enabled peering, which keeps Internet traffic local. This improves speed and service quality while reducing costs. Together with the Coalition for Digital Africa (ICANN), we can build a stronger, more resilient Internet for everyone in Malawi and beyond.

63 students. One important goal: safer online experiences. Through the BCRiM II project, the Internet Society Madagascar Chapter delivered a cybersecurity awareness session at Rambolamasoandro Ambohidratrimo High School, helping students identify online threats and develop safer digital habits. Together, we're building a stronger cybersecurity culture for the next generation.

Next week, our team will be in Kigali to attend the African Peering and Interconnection Forum (#AfPIF) alongside network operators, technical experts, policymakers, and civil society. When AfPIF began in 2010, African Internet traffic often took a detour around the world to reach neighboring countries. Since then, the AfPIF community has done crucial work to advance the infrastructure and interconnection needed to keep more Internet traffic local, helping to reduce costs, improve performance, and strengthen the continent’s digital economy. Today, that same community is working within countries and across borders to strengthen local infrastructure, build economic opportunity, and expand access to affordable, reliable, and resilient Internet. Read the full piece from our president and CEO, Sally Wentworth, at Premium Times Nigeria to learn more ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eRQyyays

Six months ago, we announced our Safer Internet Initiative—a global, multi-year strategy to fight back against online threats such as scams, fraud, cyberattacks, and more. Now, we’re advancing a connected set of efforts to strengthen online safety and security worldwide. Through targeted funding, practical training, trusted resources, community mobilization, and advocacy, the Safer Internet Initiative is helping address the risks people face online. Learn more about this work: https://lnkd.in/eqGer4Qw

This #InternationalYouthDay, we celebrate young people who are transforming opportunity into lasting impact. From expanding connectivity in underserved communities and advancing digital health inclusion to driving educational innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital skills development, these young changemakers are building a more inclusive digital future.   Their stories demonstrate the power of investing in youth with the skills, knowledge, mentorship, and opportunities needed to lead change in their communities and beyond. Together, they showcase the many ways young people are shaping the future of the Internet—one community, one innovation, and one connection at a time. Read their stories and learn how Internet Society and Internet Society Foundation-supported programs are empowering the next generation of digital leaders and changemakers: https://lnkd.in/ekzWZt9A Avani A., Luis Felipe Ulloque Quintero, Songjog Foundation

Meet our 2026 Peering Fellows! We’re excited to welcome 20 fellows from Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East as they begin their journey to strengthen peering and interconnection for an affordable, resilient, and accessible Internet for all. Learn more about the fellows: https://lnkd.in/gkXPkHsy