Our Principles

Our 10 Principles
Principle 1
The internet is an integral part of modern life—a key component in education, communication, collaboration, business, entertainment and society as a whole.
Principle 2
The internet is a global public resource that must remain open and accessible.
Principle 3
The internet must enrich the lives of individual human beings.
Principle 4
Individuals’ security and privacy on the internet are fundamental and must not be treated as optional.
Principle 5
Individuals must have the ability to shape the internet and their own experiences on it.
Principle 6
The effectiveness of the internet as a public resource depends upon interoperability (protocols, data formats, content), innovation and decentralized participation worldwide.
Principle 7
Free and open source software promotes the development of the internet as a public resource.
Principle 8
Transparent community-based processes promote participation, accountability and trust.
Principle 9
Commercial involvement in the development of the internet brings many benefits; a balance between commercial profit and public benefit is critical.
Principle 10
Magnifying the public benefit aspects of the internet is an important goal, worthy of time, attention and commitment.