Digital privacy: Researchers develop a tool that enables apps collect less user data 

2 December 2024
Group photo of grantees from the Research Program in Berkeley University

Privacy concerns remain at the forefront of online interactions in today’s digital landscape. Applications and websites, in their quest to understand user behavior, often gather vast amounts of personal data. But what if there were a way to collect important metrics without compromising user privacy? Divvi Up is a project by the Internet Security Research…

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Reflection: Sense-making of Research program Evaluation Results with Grantee partners at the Internet Society Foundation 

12 November 2024
Group photo of grantees from the Research Program in Berkeley University

By Sophie Rodriguez, MEL Specialist  At the Internet Society Foundation, our Research Program has been fostering meaningful engagement with grantees from around the world through Learning Sessions. Launched in 2022, these sessions are guided by the core principles of social accountability, trust-building, and reflective learning practice. Our goal is to create an open, collaborative space…

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What’s the Gender Digital Divide? 

30 October 2024
Sonia Jorge speaks in a meeting with other research grantees

By Gustavo Streger The gender digital divide refers to the significant gap or inequalities between men’s and women’s access to and use of Information and communication technologies (ICTs). This gap is driven by various factors, including economic inequalities, limited access to devices, insufficient Internet connectivity, cultural barriers, and a lack of digital skills, among others.…

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What is Indigenous Connectivity? Overcoming Barriers to Internet Access

24 October 2024
Three indigenous members smiling while looking at a cellphone

Indigenous populations, especially those in remote areas, have historically struggled with limited or no access to reliable and affordable Internet. This lack of connectivity not only hinders communication but exacerbates social and economic inequalities. Several key factors contribute to these challenges, according to an article published by the Internet Society and written by Sharayah Lane:…

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What’s Digital Sovereignty? Lessons from Brazil to the World: Implications, Risks, and Global Insights

3 October 2024
Abstract iconography of clouds and documents

Authors: Alexandre Pacheco da Silva, Ana Carolina Rodrigues, Ana Paula Camelo, Beatriz Katano, Flávio Rech Wagner, Pedro Lana, Raquel Gatto The concept of digital sovereignty has become increasingly relevant in the contemporary global landscape as countries seek to assert control over their digital infrastructures, technologies, and data. This blog post, which is based on the…

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The Internet Society Foundation Commits USD $3 Million to Promote Educational and Economic Inclusion in Six Countries 

18 September 2024
Young women around a computer in Patna, Bihar, India

The Internet Society Foundation is delighted to announce grant funding to 13 projects in six countries to promote educational and economic opportunities through more knowledgeable and skillful Internet use. In its fifth year of operation, the Strengthening Communities, Improving Lives and Livelihoods (SCILLS) program continues to support organizations with strong relationships with the communities they serve…

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Beginning a New Role As President and CEO

2 September 2024
Sally Wentworth

By Sally Wentworth A traumatic experience caused a young man to understand the stark gender inequality in his home country, so he turned to the Internet to educate himself about gender equality and social justice. Inspired to take action, he founded a nonprofit at age 16 to empower young people to advocate for gender equality…

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Transforming communities through the Internet, one project at a time

30 August 2024
Our projects displayed on a globe map

For the past five years, the Internet Society Foundation has supported a diverse range of projects and research that support our vision of an Internet for Everyone. Our grant partners work in over 69 countries and across 6 continents to drive positive change in their communities through the Internet. From connecting more people online, to providing digital…

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Reflections on the Internet Society Foundation’s 2024 Grantee Perception Report  

5 August 2024
Two people from Tiempo del Juego stand in front of a graffiti covered wall

In line with our commitment to learning and growth, the Internet Society Foundation’s Philanthropy organization recently commissioned a Grantee Perception Report (GPR) to gather feedback from grant partners on our effectiveness. We partnered with the Center for Effective Philanthropy to issue this survey and receive transparent and confidential grantee feedback to help us understand what we’re doing…

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What is the role of the Internet in natural disasters and emergencies?  

16 July 2024
Man in front of ruined house

In today’s world, the growing risk of natural and climate-related disasters is causing more and more disruption to people’s lives. These disasters often lead to loss of Internet connectivity, leaving individuals isolated from their loved ones and from vital information during times of crisis.  Using the Internet to support resiliency and disaster management has become…

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