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.