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What counts as internet civil society?
Internet Society defines civil society as a diverse community of not-for-profit organizations serving individual, group, and community interests. Applied to the internet, the defining feature is a connection to internet-related public interests—not simply using the internet or working in the technology sector. Internet Society’s overview of the internet ecosystem describes examples including grassroots communities, media, youth groups, Indigenous groups, think tanks, and education and research organizations.
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The term does not have one universally agreed legal definition. In formal international policy settings, it often means organized groups. In broader discussions of internet governance, it may also encompass individual users and others whose lives are affected by internet decisions, even if they are not members of an organization.
Who is included?
The scope depends on whether a discussion means organized civil society or the wider public affected by internet policy. A report on internet governance in Kenya illustrates this broader usage with three layers:
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- The general public: citizens and consumers who use the internet or are affected by it.
- Interest-based organizations: groups that represent particular communities or concerns.
- Active participants: organizations and individuals who engage directly in governance forums.
This is one useful way to describe the range, not a universal classification. Examples of organized groups can include consumer advocates, community networking groups, professional societies, academic and research organizations, and internet-focused civic groups.
What role does civil society play in internet governance?
Civil society brings public and community perspectives into discussions about internet policy and governance. It can represent people whose interests might otherwise be less visible and create ways for everyday users to participate. It does not replace governments, businesses, or technical organizations; these are distinct stakeholder groups with different roles.
The United Nations’ account of the 2003 World Summit on the Information Society records recognition of civil society’s continuing role in internet-related public policy, especially at the community level. In a 2025 article, Internet Society described civil society as a crucial part of the internet ecosystem because it represents people and builds avenues for everyday users to join the internet governance community. The article notes that its viewpoints may not reflect official Internet Society positions.
How can people or groups participate?
There is no single participation route for all internet governance. Each institution sets its own eligibility rules and opportunities. One example is ICANN’s At-Large community, which provides a route for organizations to seek recognition as At-Large Structures.
ICANN lists professional societies, academic and research organizations, community networking groups, consumer advocacy groups, Internet Society chapters, computer-user organizations, and internet civil society groups among the types of groups that may apply. Its participation guidance says there is no application or membership fee. Check ICANN’s current participation guidance for applicable requirements and details; this is an ICANN-specific option, not a universal structure.
What the term does not mean
- It does not mean the whole internet industry. Companies and service providers are not civil society simply because they operate online.
- It does not mean all civil society is internet civil society. The internet-related public-interest, rights, access, policy, or governance connection is what distinguishes it.
- It does not mean one organization speaks for every user. Civil society is diverse, and different groups represent different interests and communities.
- It does not mean civil society governs alone. Internet governance involves distinct stakeholder roles, including governments, businesses, technical organizations, and civil society.
Is there a reliable count of internet civil society?
A sector-wide count of internet civil society organizations or participants is not established by the cited sources. Internet Society reported that it had trained more than 140,000 learners in a 2025 article, but that figure is the organization’s training total—not a count of civil society members or a measure of participation across the sector.
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