What Connects the Internet and Why Its Stability is Under Threat

Understanding the Internet's Framework and Its Vulnerabilities

As discussions intensify globally regarding the future of Internet governance, two venerable institutions in the Internet ecosystem, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and the Internet Society (ISOC), have released a pivotal report that examines what has facilitated the Internet's success over the last 20 years and why that foundation is currently at risk. The findings are particularly relevant as we approach the 20-year review of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20).

The Importance of Collaborative Governance

In a world where digital connectivity permeates every facet of life, ICANN and ISOC stress the need for renewed focus on multistakeholder governance—a model that has proven effective in ensuring a secure, unified, and accessible global Internet. The report titled "Footprints of 20 Years of the Internet Governance Forum" demonstrates how cooperation among varied stakeholders—including governments, technical experts, civil society, and businesses—has played a crucial role in maintaining an open and functional Internet.

Kurtis Lindqvist, ICANN President and CEO, articulated that the impressive resilience of the Internet is not simply an accident but rather a result of coordinated efforts among diverse groups working across borders. He emphasizes that the success of the Internet hinges on a commitment to the collaborative model that enabled its growth and development.

Key Findings of the Report

The report outlines several critical achievements and challenges that define the current state of the Internet:

1. Infrastructure Growth

The last decade has seen a remarkable increase in Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) across Africa, more than doubling in number. This surge has facilitated more efficient local Internet traffic exchange, reducing latency and operational costs while enhancing service quality for providers.

2. Global Reach and Inclusivity

Moreover, the ability for more than 4.4 million domain names to be registered in non-Latin scripts is a testament to the ongoing efforts to expand digital access. Universal Acceptance Day 2025 underscored this initiative with over 50 international events promoting full linguistic functionality across the Internet ecosystem, enabling communities that utilize Arabic, Cyrillic, Chinese, and other scripts to thrive online.

3. Enhanced Internet Security

The report revealed that today, approximately 93% of top-level domains have adopted Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC), a measure that provides crucial protection against DNS-based cyberattacks. Additionally, over 1,000 global networks have embraced the Mutually Agreed Norms for Routing Security (MANRS) framework, promoting responsible routing practices and reducing systemic vulnerabilities in the network.

4. Legislative Engagement

Today, over 180 National and Regional Internet Governance Forums are active worldwide—an indication of the active engagement in shaping digital policy. Youth Internet Governance Forums are offering novel insights and encouraging fresh perspectives in crafting policies that address digital rights, trust, and inclusion.

A Call for Recommitment

The report ultimately stresses that the advancements made in Internet governance, connectivity, and security are only sustainable through continued investment and commitment to the multistakeholder governance model that has proven success in the past.

As we move forward, the call from ICANN and ISOC is clear: to protect the future of the Internet, stakeholders must recommit to fostering institutions and frameworks that encourage collaboration, inclusivity, and security. The challenges ahead are significant, but the foundational principles that have kept the Internet unified remain as critical today as they were two decades ago.

For those invested in the future of the Internet, the entire report is available for download and offers a wealth of information on effective governance strategies.

Additional Resources

- ICANN: icann.org
- Internet Society: internetsociety.org

The gradual evolution of the Internet relies on our collective efforts; as we stand at this pivotal intersection, acknowledging the successes and failures of the past is instrumental in sustaining this global network for future generations.