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The Backbone of the Internet and Its Current Threats

As discussions surrounding the future of Internet governance heat up worldwide, the need for effective collaboration and coordination is more critical than ever. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and the Internet Society (ISOC), two of the Internet's longstanding institutions, have jointly published a report emphasizing the successes and challenges faced in maintaining a stable and open Internet.

Historical Context of Internet Governance

For over two decades, the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) has played a pivotal role in promoting stability and security on the Internet through multi-stakeholder collaboration. In their recent report titled "Footprints of 20 Years of the Internet Governance Forum," ICANN and ISOC outline how cooperation between governments, engineers, civil society, and industry has kept the Internet functioning effectively.

Kurtis Lindqvist, President and CEO of ICANN, remarked, "The unity of the Internet is not by chance. Its resilience is the result of collaboration across borders and sectors." This statement highlights the essence of what has made the Internet a global platform.

Key Achievements in Internet Governance

The report details several significant accomplishments facilitated by the IGF over the past twenty years:

1. Infrastructure Enhancements:
Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) have more than doubled in Africa over the last ten years. This growth allows for more efficient local internet traffic exchange, reducing latency and lowering operational costs for providers.

2. Global Reach Expansion:
A notable increase in the registration of domain names in non-Latin scripts—over 4.4 million—has broadened digital access for communities using languages such as Arabic, Cyrillic, and Chinese. The Universal Acceptance Day 2025 saw over 50 events promoting linguistic functionality in the Internet ecosystem.

3. Enhanced Internet Security:
With 93% of top-level domains now protected by Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC), the Internet has taken significant strides in safeguarding against cyber threats. Furthermore, more than 1,000 networks have adopted the mutually agreed norms for routing security (MANRS) to promote responsible practices and mitigate vulnerabilities.

4. Political Engagement:
There are currently over 180 national and regional Internet governance forums actively engaging youth and introducing new perspectives into political dialogues about digital trust, rights, and inclusion.

Challenges Ahead

Despite these achievements, both ICANN and ISOC caution that the current framework for Internet governance is under threat. The report underscores the necessity of recommitting to collaborative, decentralized governance models that have historically yielded success. As ICANN and ISOC prepare for the upcoming 20-year assessment of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20), there’s a sense of urgency to reinforce institutional frameworks that enable a unified, safe, and open Internet.

Sally Wentworth, President and CEO of the Internet Society, emphasized that the IGF's multi-stakeholder model works effectively, impacting infrastructure, security, and policy. However, she warns that these achievements are only as strong as the ongoing investment and dedication to them.

In summation, the joint report by ICANN and ISOC compels us to reflect on the collaborative efforts that have shaped the Internet and re-evaluate the governance models that ensure its stability and security. As we look ahead, the evolution of global digital collaboration in the next decade hinges on our commitment to these foundational pillars of Internet governance.