The Current Threats to Internet Cohesion and Governance Models

Understanding the Threats to Internet Cohesion

The stability and accessibility of the Internet, a hallmark of its successful governance, is currently at risk. A joint report released by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and the Internet Society (ISOC) outlines the achievements of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) over the past 20 years while also pointing towards potential threats to its future. The report is titled "Footprints of 20 Years of the Internet Governance Forum".

A Legacy of Collaboration

For over two decades, the IGF has fostered a collaborative environment that blends the expertise of various stakeholders including governments, engineers, civil society, and the private sector. This collective effort has facilitated a unique model of governance that is crucial for maintaining the open and operational nature of the Internet. Kurtis Lindqvist, the CEO of ICANN, asserts that the continued success of the Internet is contingent upon efforts beyond borders and sectors. He emphasizes that its unification is not due to chance but a result of coordinated action.

Sally Wentworth, President of the Internet Society, echoes this sentiment, indicating that ongoing investment in the governance framework is necessary to ensure that the strides made in cooperation are not reversed.

Key Achievements of the Internet Governance Forum

The report highlights significant accomplishments made possible by the IGF:

1. Infrastructure Expansion

One notable success is the increase in Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) in Africa, which have more than doubled over the last decade. This growth has improved local internet traffic exchange, leading to reduced latency, enhanced service quality, and lower operational costs for service providers.

2. Global Accessibility

In a remarkable leap, over 4.4 million domain names have been registered in non-Latin scripts, substantially broadening digital access for communities that use languages including Arabic, Cyrillic, and Chinese. The 2025 Universal Acceptance Day celebrated over 50 international events aimed at promoting linguistic functionality across the Internet ecosystem.

3. Enhanced Security

Today, a significant majority (93%) of top-level domains are protected by DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC), crucial for preventing DNS-based cyber-attacks. Furthermore, more than 1,000 global networks have adopted mutual standards for routing security (MANRS) to foster responsible routing practices.

4. Political Engagement

Globally, over 180 national and regional Internet Governance forums are currently active, facilitating youth participation and contributing to shaping legislative discussions on digital trust, rights, and inclusion.

A Crucial Juncture

As the world approaches the 20-year mark of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20), there lies a crucial opportunity to reinforce the collaborative frameworks that undergird a secure and unified Internet. ICANN and ISOC urge stakeholders to reemphasize their commitment to collaborative governance to mitigate the risks of fragmentation in Internet engagement and utility.

The report serves not only as a document of past achievements but as a clarion call for the collective action necessary to safeguard the future of the Internet. Practical examples illustrate that while considerable progress has been made, the continuity of support for distributed governance systems is imperative. Failure to do so may place these advancements and the very fabric of Internet cohesion at risk.

Conclusion

As we navigate that pivotal moment in Internet governance history, the insights provided in the joint report from ICANN and ISOC should inform ongoing dialogues about the model's sustainability and effectiveness. To explore the full scope of this report and its implications, download it directly from the ICANN or Internet Society websites. By renewing our dedication to a cooperative governance model, we can ensure the Internet remains open, secure, and accessible for future generations.