Why Subsea Cables Matter: The Hidden Backbone of the Internet and the Race for Sustainability

8 June 2025
Nicole Starosielski, professor of UC Berkeley talking to a room of researchers.

By Gustavo Streger When we think about the Internet, we often imagine satellites and Wi-Fi signals floating through the air. But the real workhorses of global connectivity lie hidden beneath the ocean’s surface. Subsea cables — powerful lines stretching across the seafloor — carry over 99% of international Internet traffic, making the world more connected…

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International Girls in ICT Day: Internet Society Foundation grants support digital equality

24 April 2025

International Girls in ICT Day 2025 is celebrated on 24 April to encourage girls and women to pursue careers in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This year’s theme is “Girls in ICT for inclusive digital transformation,” emphasizing the importance of gender equality in the digital world. To mark this day, the Internet Society Foundation highlights…

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Celebrating Earth Day 2025: Innovations from the Internet Society Foundation’s Research Grant Program 

22 April 2025

Every year, on 22 April, the world comes together to celebrate Earth Day and reflect on the importance of sustainability and environmental stewardship. As we mark this special day, we are reminded that creating new knowledge is critical to taking the right steps towards a greener future. In that spirit, the Internet Society Foundation is…

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2024 Impact Report: How $16.2M in grants powered change in 111 countries

19 March 2025
Three smiling Indonesian women

In 2024, the Internet Society Foundation continued its commitment to ensuring that the Internet remains a force for good that benefits everyone. Our latest Philanthropy Impact Report showcases the incredible work of our 203 grantees across 111 countries, with $16.2 million in funding supporting projects that connect communities and advance digital inclusion.  From funding community…

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Meet the new grantees improving peering and interconnection around the globe   

27 January 2025
Two men work on a communications antenna in front of a blue sky and hills in the background

We are pleased to share the 16 grantees from the 2024 Sustainable Peering Infrastructure program. This program works with local communities to build Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) in markets where they are needed; enhance existing IXPs to realize their full potential; and supports organizations and communities that develop peering and interconnection. There are two types…

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Meet Our 2024 Research Grantees: Shaping the Future of the Internet 

15 January 2025
Research Program Grantees exchanging ideas

Our Research Grant Program supports global initiatives that enhance our understanding of the Internet and its importance to everyone. We are thrilled to announce the 2024 cohort of grant partners who will conduct innovative studies addressing the Internet’s critical challenges while also contributing to its sustainability and inclusivity.  This year’s 12 selected projects from six…

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Applications Now Open: Internet Society Foundation’s Internet Governance Forum (IGF) Funding Program

7 January 2025

The Internet Society Foundation is pleased to announce that applications are now open for its Internet Governance Forum (IGF) funding program. This initiative is designed to support the organization of United Nations IGF Secretariat-recognized National and Regional Initiatives (NRIs) and Schools on Internet Governance (SIGs). This program empowers communities to shape a more equitable and…

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Funding Opportunity for Technical Communities: STC Applications Now Open

7 January 2025

The Internet Society Foundation is excited to announce that applications for its Sustainable Technical Communities (STC) funding program are now open. This program supports the organization of technical events designed to strengthen and sustain local and regional technical communities. These events are essential in building a more resilient and secure Internet through knowledge exchange, capacity…

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The Future of the Internet: Insights from Our Research Grant Partners

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

Our Research Grant Program supports global initiatives focused on enhancing our understanding of the Internet and its value to everyone. The “Future of the Internet” interview series showcases innovative ideas contributing to a more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable digital future. Through these conversations, we share stories from our research grant partners who are addressing some…

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

2 December 2024
An illustrative photo of a woman with a cellphone to show Identification and privacy in context of modern digital technologies.

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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