# Organisations & initiatives

## [**Access Now**](https://www.accessnow.org/)

[Access Now](https://www.accessnow.org/) is an international non-profit, human rights, public policy, and advocacy group dedicated to an open and free Internet. Access Now hosts the [RightsCon](https://www.rightscon.org/) Summit Series each year, and also initiated the [#KeepItOn](https://www.accessnow.org/keepiton/) campaign against Internet shutdowns. 

{% embed url="<https://www.accessnow.org/>" %}

They also produce [reports and briefings](https://www.accessnow.org/content-type/publications/), such as the following resource:

* 26 recommendations on content governance: [A guide](https://www.accessnow.org/cms/assets/uploads/2020/03/Recommendations-On-Content-Governance-digital.pdf) for lawmakers, regulators, and company policy makers
* Access Now [Position Paper](https://www.accessnow.org/cms/assets/uploads/2017/09/RTBF_Sep_2016.pdf): Understanding the “Right to be Forgotten” Globally
* [Human Rights](https://www.accessnow.org/cms/assets/uploads/2018/11/AI-and-Human-Rights.pdf) in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
* Proposals for Regulating Internet Apps and Services: [Understanding](https://www.accessnow.org/cms/assets/uploads/2017/08/Access_Now_OTT-position%E2%80%93paper.pdf) the Digital Rights Impact of the “over-the-top” (OTT) Debate
* Transparency Reporting [Index](https://www.accessnow.org/transparency-reporting-index/)

## [**Association for Progressive Communications (APC)**](https://www.apc.org/)

The Association for Progressive Communications ([APC](https://www.apc.org/)) is an international network of organizations that was founded in 1990 to provide communication infrastructure, including Internet-based applications, to groups and individuals who work for peace, gender equality, human rights, protection of the environment, and sustainability.

{% embed url="<https://www.apc.org/>" %}

They have multiple [publications](https://www.apc.org/en/publications) and other resources relevant to journalists and media development organizations such as:

* [Feminist Principles](https://feministinternet.org/en/about) of the Internet
* Global Information Society Watch ([GIS Watch](http://www.giswatch.org/))

## [Broadband Commission on Sustainable Development](https://www.broadbandcommission.org/publications/)

The Broadband Commission on Sustainable Development – a joint International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and UNESCO venture that publishes an annual report titled “[The State of Broadband](https://www.broadbandcommission.org/publications/)“

{% embed url="<https://www.broadbandcommission.org/publications/>" %}

### [**CircleID**](https://www.circleid.com/)

{% embed url="<https://www.circleid.com/>" %}

## [**Council of Europe (CoE)**](http://www.unesco.org/new/en/communication-and-information/resources/publications-and-communication-materials/publications/full-list/media-development-indicators-a-framework-for-assessing-media-development/)

The Council of Europe produces many relevant [resources](http://www.unesco.org/new/en/communication-and-information/resources/publications-and-communication-materials/publications/full-list/media-development-indicators-a-framework-for-assessing-media-development/) on Internet freedom, freedom of expression, algorithm transparency, and more.&#x20;

{% embed url="<http://www.unesco.org/new/en/communication-and-information/resources/publications-and-communication-materials/publications/full-list/media-development-indicators-a-framework-for-assessing-media-development/>" %}

They also host specialised working groups, such as:

### [MSI-JOQ](https://www.coe.int/en/web/freedom-expression/msi-joq) – Committee of Experts on Quality Journalism in the Digital Age

* Draft [recommendation](https://rm.coe.int/msi-joq-2018-03-draft-recommendation-on-promoting-a-favourable-environ/168078b802) on promoting a favourable environment for\
  quality journalism in the digital age
* Draft [study](https://rm.coe.int/msi-joq-2018-04-draft-study-on-media-and-information-literacy-in-the-d/168078b801) on media and information literacy in the digital\
  environment

### [MSI-AUT](https://www.coe.int/en/web/freedom-expression/msi-aut) – Committee of Experts on Human Rights Dimensions of Automated Data Processing and Different Forms of Artificial Intelligence

## [**Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)**](https://cpj.org/2014/07/no-press-freedom-without-internet-freedom/)

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) also advocates for Internet freedom.

* No press freedom without [Internet freedom](https://cpj.org/blog/2014/07/no-press-freedom-without-internet-freedom.php)

{% embed url="<https://cpj.org/2014/07/no-press-freedom-without-internet-freedom/>" %}

## [**DiploFoundation and GIP Digital Watch**](https://www.diplomacy.edu/)

[DiploFoundation](https://www.diplomacy.edu/) is a non-profit foundation established by the governments of Malta and Switzerland. Diplo works to increase the role of small and developing states, and to improve global governance and international policy development.&#x20;

{% embed url="<https://www.diplomacy.edu/>" %}

One of its initiatives, the GIP Digital Watch [observatory](https://dig.watch/), is a comprehensive Internet governance and digital policy observatory that provides monthly updates about digital policy as well as tracks issues and policy developments. Some of their resources include:

* Contribute to the DiploFoundation [blog](https://www.diplomacy.edu/blog/)
* DiploFoundation’s IG acronym [glossary](https://www.diplomacy.edu/resources/books/internet-governance-acronym-glossary)
* Monthly [briefings](https://dig.watch/briefings)
* Read the Introduction to Internet Governance (7th edition) [e-book](https://www.diplomacy.edu/resources/books/introduction-internet-governance) (for free)
* Sign up for one of their online courses, such as the [Introduction to Internet Governance](https://www.diplomacy.edu/courses/IGcourses)
* Stay updated with upcoming Internet policy [events](https://dig.watch/upcoming-events)
* Subscribe to the [newsletter](https://dig.watch/newsletter)

## [**European Digital Rights (EDRi)**](https://edri.org/)

{% embed url="<https://edri.org/>" %}

## [**Freedom House**](https://freedomhouse.org/issues/technology-democracy)

{% embed url="<https://freedomhouse.org/issues/technology-democracy>" %}

Freedom House has multiple resources relevant to [Internet freedom](https://freedomhouse.org/issues/internet-freedom), including:

* [Freedom in the World](https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world)
* [Freedom on the Net](https://freedomhouse.org/report-types/freedom-net)
* [Internet Freedom Election Monitor](https://freedomhouse.org/report/special-reports/internet-freedom-election-monitor)

## [**GigaNET**](https://www.giga-net.org/)

The Global Internet Governance Academic Network ([GigaNET](https://www.giga-net.org/)) is an international association of academic researchers.&#x20;

{% embed url="<https://www.giga-net.org/>" %}

Members include researchers from a wide range of disciplines and locations who are contributing to research, teaching, and engagement in local, regional, and international debates on Internet governance.

## [**Global Internet Policy Observatory (GIPO)**](http://www.giponet.org/en)

{% embed url="<http://www.giponet.org/en>" %}

## **Global Network Initiative (GNI)**

Launched in 2008, the Global Network Initiative ([GNI](https://globalnetworkinitiative.org/)) is a multi-stakeholder initiative that helps companies respect freedom of expression and privacy rights when faced with government pressure to hand over user data, remove content, or restrict communications.&#x20;

{% embed url="<https://globalnetworkinitiative.org/>" %}

For more information, see the [GNI Principles](https://globalnetworkinitiative.org/gni-principles/) and their Country Legal Frameworks Resource ([CLFR](https://clfr.globalnetworkinitiative.org/)). GFMD became an official member of GNI in June 2019.

Additional resources include:

* Content Regulation and Human Rights: Analysis and Recommendations ([briefing](https://globalnetworkinitiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/GNI-Content-Regulation-HR-Policy-Brief.pdf))

## **Global Partners Digital (GPD)**

Global Partners Digital ([GPD](https://www.gp-digital.org/)) is a social purpose company working to protect and promote human rights values online, and the governance processes that uphold and further these values. Their two main priorities are to grow the number of civil society groups engaging in the internet policy and governance arena, and to make governments, public authorities, international institutions, and businesses aware of the benefits of internet policies and governance processes that promote and protect human rights. Relevant resources include:

* A Rights-respecting [Model](https://www.gp-digital.org/publication/a-rights-respecting-model-of-online-content-regulation-by-platforms/) of Online Content Regulation by Platforms
* Content regulation laws threaten our freedom of expression. We need a [new approach](https://www.gp-digital.org/content-regulation-laws-threaten-our-freedom-of-expression-we-need-a-new-approach/)
* [Framework](https://www.gp-digital.org/publication/multistakeholder-framework/) for Multistakeholder Cyber Policy Development
* GPD’s Organisational Development [Framework](https://www.gp-digital.org/publication/org-dev-framework/)
* GPD’s [response](https://www.gp-digital.org/news/our-response-to-david-kayes-report-on-platform-content-regulation/) to David Kaye’s report on platform content regulation
* GPD’s [response](https://www.gp-digital.org/news/the-uks-online-harms-white-paper-our-response/) to the UK’s Online Harms White Paper
* How to Engage in Cyber Policy [video series](https://www.youtube.com/howtoengageincyberpolicy)
* Some [thoughts](https://www.gp-digital.org/news/some-thoughts-on-the-updated-un-resolution-on-human-rights-and-the-internet/) on the updated UN Resolution on Human Rights and the Internet
* [Travel Guide](https://www.gp-digital.org/publication/travel-guide-to-the-digital-world-cybersecurity-policy-for-human-rights-defenders/) to the Digital World: Cybersecurity Policy for Human Rights Defenders
* World [Map](https://www.gp-digital.org/world-map-of-encryption/) of Encryption

## **ICANN**

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is the organisation responsible for operating the Domain Name System (DNS), which is essentially the equivalent of the Internet’s phone book – holding the registry of all Internet Protocol (IP) addresses and domain names. It is governed by an international, multi-stakeholder community. ICANN holds three [meetings](https://meetings.icann.org/en/) each year, rotating among the different regions. For more information, see the following resources:

* Apply for the ICANN Fellowship [program](https://www.icann.org/fellowshipprogram) if you’d like to be introduced to ICANN and want to take part in its work
* [ICANNWiki](https://icannwiki.org/) – A non-profit organisation dedicated to providing a community-developed wiki on ICANN and Internet governance
* Generic Names Supporting Organization ([GNSO](https://gnso.icann.org/en/about/stakeholders-constituencies)) list of stakeholder groups and constituencies
* GNSO document [archive](https://gnso.icann.org/en/group-activities/active)
* GNSO [Projects List](https://gnso.icann.org/en/council/project) – a compilation of all active and/or open projects within the GNSO
* [Join](https://www.icann.org/community#groups) a group or constituency, such as the Non-Commercial Stakeholders’ Group ([NCSG](https://gnso.icann.org/en/about/stakeholders-constituencies/ncsg))
* Join a working group – e.g., the Middle East and Adjoining Countries Strategy Working Group ([MEAC-SWG](https://community.icann.org/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=59642230))
* Learn about how to write ICANN policy via the Noncommercial User’s Constituency’s (NCUC) Policy Writing [Course](https://www.ncuc.org/policy/policy-writing-course/)
* Participate in meetings [remotely](https://meetings.icann.org/en/remote-participation)
* Read the ICANN [beginners guide](https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/beginners-guides-2012-03-06-en)
* [Submit](https://www.icann.org/public-comments) a public comment
* Visit [ICANN Learn](http://learn.icann.org/) and take a free course

## **Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)**

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers ([IEEE](https://www.ieee.org/index.html)) is a professional body that primarily works at the physical (infrastructure) layer of the Internet. It develops international standards for modern telecommunications and ICT hardware, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and is a key area of engagement vis-à-vis strengthening Wi-Fi security standards.

## **International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)**

The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) has multiple Internet governance-related resources, including:

* Development and [Access to Information](https://da2i.ifla.org/sites/da2i.ifla.org/files/uploads/docs/da2i-2017-full-report.pdf)
* IFLA and the [Information Society](https://www.ifla.org/information-society)
* What is [Internet Governance](https://www.ifla.org/node/7406)?

## **International Telecommunication Union (ITU)**

The International Telecommunication Union ([ITU](https://www.itu.int/en/Pages/default.aspx)) is the United Nations body responsible for global radio spectrum and satellite orbit management. Working primarily at both the physical (infrastructure) and logical (protocols, standards, and applications) layers, it also develops certain technical standards that ensure networks and technologies seamlessly interconnect. Additionally, it works to improve access to ICTs to underserved communities worldwide. Key resources include:

* Radio [spectrum](https://www.itu.int/pub/R-REP-SM) management
* [Reports](https://www.broadbandcommission.org/Pages/default.aspx) from the Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development

## [Internet & Jurisdiction Policy Network (I\&J)](https://www.internetjurisdiction.net/)

{% embed url="<https://www.internetjurisdiction.net/>" %}

## [**Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF)**](https://www.ietf.org/)

The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) is a key organization involved in the development of technical standards and protocols – the basic traffic rules of the Internet that define how information travels across the network, and who can connect to whom and to what content. Housed within the Internet Society, the work of IETF encompasses protocols that range from Internet Protocol (IP), the basic language that enables two devices to communicate, to applications like email.

{% embed url="<https://www.ietf.org/>" %}

## [**Internet Governance Caucus**](https://igcaucus.org/)

The Internet Governance Caucus ([IGC](https://igcaucus.org/)) is a civil society network on Internet governance and Internet rights. It offers an open space where each group can present and advocate for the initiatives that they believe offer the best positive agenda for advancing broadly shared civil society interests in Internet governance. Participate by signing up for their [mailing list](https://lists.igcaucus.org/mailman/listinfo/governance).

{% embed url="<https://igcaucus.org/>" %}

## [**Internet Governance Project**](https://www.internetgovernance.org/)

The Internet Governance Project ([IGP](https://www.internetgovernance.org/)) is a leading source of independent analysis of global Internet governance. It is comprised of a group of professors, postdoctoral researchers, and students hosted at the School of Public Policy at the Georgia Institute of Technology. For more information, see the IGP [guide](https://www.internetgovernance.org/what-is-internet-governance/) to Internet governance.

{% embed url="<https://www.internetgovernance.org/>" %}

## **Internet Society (ISOC)**

The Internet Society ([ISOC](https://www.internetsociety.org/)) is a non-profit organisation that was founded in 1992 to provide leadership in Internet-related standards, education, access, and policy.&#x20;

{% embed url="<https://www.internetsociety.org/>" %}

It features chapters all over the world, and ISOC members are involved in every aspect of Internet governance. Some of their resources include:

* Apply for an [ambassadorship](http://www.internetsociety.org/what-we-do/education-and-leadership-programmes/next-generation-leaders/igf-ambassadors-programme) to the IGF (when the call opens each summer)
* Apply for a [fellowship](http://www.internetsociety.org/what-we-do/education-and-leadership-programmes/ietf-and-ois-programmes) to attend one of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) meetings
* Become a [global member](https://www.isoc.org/membership/rules.shtml) (for free) and [join](https://www.internetsociety.org/who-we-are/chapters) a chapter
* Check out their [publications](https://www.internetsociety.org/publications/), such as the [2017 Global Internet Report: Paths to Our Digital Future](https://future.internetsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/2017-Internet-Society-Global-Internet-Report-Paths-to-Our-Digital-Future.pdf)
* ISOC’s online [course](https://www.internetsociety.org/inforum/shaping-internet/) “Shaping the Internet: History and Futures”
* ISOC’s [guide](https://cdn.prod.internetsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/factsheet_ecosystem.pdf) to the Internet ecosystem
* Join the ISOC Policy or other [mailing lists](https://portal.isoc.org/membership/interests)
* Participate in an [e-learning course](http://www.internetsociety.org/what-we-do/leadership-programmes/next-generation-leaders-ngl-programme/elearning) as part of the Next Generation Leaders program (NGL)
* Young journalists and students: [apply](https://www.internetsociety.org/youth-igf-programme/) for ISOC’s Youth\@IGF programme (ages 18-25)

## [**Media and Development Forum (FoME)**](https://fome.info/)

The Media and Development Forum (Forum Medien und Entwicklung – [FoME](https://fome.info/)) is a network of German institutions and individuals active in the field of media development cooperation. In addition to hosting an annual Symposium, they also feature many relevant [resources and publications](https://fome.info/publications). You can also join their [mailing list](https://listi.jpberlin.de/mailman/listinfo/fome).

{% embed url="<https://fome.info/>" %}

## [**Mozilla**](https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/)

[Mozilla](https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/) is a non-profit technology organisation that is also heavily invested in digital policy discussions and protecting human rights online. In addition to creating technology like code, apps, and the Firefox browser, Mozilla also engages in policy development, advocacy, and curates resources like the annual [Internet Health Report](https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/internet-health/) and related toolkits.

{% embed url="<https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/>" %}

## [**openDemocracy**](https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/digitaliberties/human-rights-and-internet/)

Human Rights & The Internet (HRI) is a special section of [openDemocracy](https://www.opendemocracy.net/hri) focusing on various technology-related rights issues.

{% embed url="<https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/digitaliberties/human-rights-and-internet/>" %}

## [**Open Internet for Democracy**](https://openinternet.global/)

The [Open Internet for Democracy](https://openinternet.global/) project is a collaborative initiative by the Center for International Private Enterprise ([CIPE](https://www.cipe.org/)), the National Democratic Institute ([NDI](https://www.ndi.org/)), and the Center for International Media Assistance ([CIMA](https://www.cima.ned.org/)).&#x20;

{% embed url="<https://openinternet.global/>" %}

It is endeavoring to build a network of open Internet advocates who champion the democratic values and principles that should guide the future development of the Internet.

* [Apply](https://openinternet.global/open-internet-leaders) to be an Open Internet Leader
* Democratic [Principles](https://openinternet.global/read-principles) for an Open Internet

## [**Ranking Digital Rights (RDR)**](https://rankingdigitalrights.org/)

Ranking Digital Rights ([RDR](https://rankingdigitalrights.org/)) works to promote freedom of expression and privacy on the internet by creating global standards and incentives for companies to respect and protect users’ rights.&#x20;

{% embed url="<https://rankingdigitalrights.org/>" %}

They fulfill their mission primarily by publishing the [RDR Corporate Accountability Index](https://rankingdigitalrights.org/index2019/), which evaluates the world’s most powerful Internet, mobile, and telecommunications companies’ disclosed policies and practices affecting users’ freedom of expression and privacy.

## **Reporters Without Borders (RSF)**

Reporters Without Borders (RWB), or Reporters Sans Frontières (RSF), is based in Paris, France, and promotes and defends the freedom to be informed and to inform others throughout the world. They have multiple publications, and also produce the annual [World Press Freedom Index](https://rsf.org/en/ranking). Other resources include:

* [Digital Security for Journalists](https://helpdesk.rsf.org/) – A help desk featuring information on training, digital security guides, and FAQs/dangerous misconceptions
* [International Declaration on Information and Democracy](https://rsf.org/en/news/international-declaration-information-and-democracy-principles-global-information-and-communication): principles for the global information and communication space
* Internet Governance – The [Position](https://rsf.org/en/news/internet-governance-position-reporters-without-borders) of Reporters Without Borders

## [**Reuters Institute**](https://www.digitalnewsreport.org/)

The Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at Oxford University publishes an annual [Digital News Report](http://www.digitalnewsreport.org/), which tracks digital news consumption across countries, and provides timely data and analysis for industry, regulators, and academia.

{% embed url="<https://www.digitalnewsreport.org/>" %}

## **UNESCO**

{% embed url="<https://en.unesco.org/>" %}

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has multiple resources that pertain to Internet freedom, freedom of expression, and more. They include:

* Fostering Freedom Online: The Role of [Internet Intermediaries](http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0023/002311/231162e.pdf)
* Freedom of Connection, Freedom of Expression: The Changing [Legal and Regulatory Ecology](http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0019/001915/191594e.pdf) Shaping the Internet
* Internet Universality [Indicators](https://en.unesco.org/internetuniversality)
* Media Development Indicators: A [Framework](http://www.unesco.org/new/en/communication-and-information/resources/publications-and-communication-materials/publications/full-list/media-development-indicators-a-framework-for-assessing-media-development/) for Assessing Media Development
* Steering [AI and Advanced ICTs](https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000372132) for Knowledge Societies: A Rights, Openness, Access, and Multi-stakeholder Perspective
* UNESCO Journalists’ Safety [Indicators](https://en.unesco.org/themes/safety-of-journalists/journalists-safety-indicators)
* UNESCO Series on [Internet Freedom](https://en.unesco.org/unesco-series-on-internet-freedom)
* World [Trends](https://en.unesco.org/world-media-trends-2017) in Freedom of Expression and Media Development

## [**Web Foundation**](https://webfoundation.org/)

Established in 2009 by the inventor of the World Wide Web, Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the [World Wide Web Foundation](https://webfoundation.org/) seeks to advance the open web as a public good and a basic right.&#x20;

{% embed url="<https://webfoundation.org/>" %}

They offer multiple resources such as [research](https://webfoundation.org/research-publications/), as well as initiatives and projects including:

* Alliance for Affordable Internet ([A4AI](https://a4ai.org/)) – Working to make Internet access more affordable and inclusive. A key resource they public is the annual [Affordability Report](https://a4ai.org/affordability-report/report/2019/)
* [Contract](https://contractfortheweb.org/) for the Web
* [Open Data Barometer](https://opendatabarometer.org/) – It measures the prevalence and impact of open data initiatives around the world
* [Open Data Charter](https://opendatacharter.net/) – Guides and supports governments as they implement shared open data principles, standards and best practices
* [Open Data Labs](http://labs.webfoundation.org/) – Employs a combination of research, incubation, training, and engagement to ensure that open data is used to address practical problems in developing and emerging economies
* [Web Index](http://thewebindex.org/) – The first measure of the web’s contribution to social, economic, and political progress, studying 86 countries across the world
* [Web We Want](https://webwewant.org/) – a global coalition working to defend, claim, and change the future of the Web


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