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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesThe Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is a United Nations-convened, open platform where governments, civil society, businesses, the technical community and others discuss public policy issues related to the Internet. It supports dialogue and information-sharing; it is not a regulator and does not make binding decisions.
What does “Internet governance” mean?
Internet governance is the broader process of developing and applying shared principles, norms, rules, decision-making procedures and programs that shape how the Internet evolves and is used. The Tunis Agenda describes this work as involving governments, the private sector and civil society in their respective roles. The Tunis Agenda was adopted on 18 November 2005.
How is the IGF different from Internet governance?
Internet governance is the policy-making and coordination process; the IGF is one forum within that wider ecosystem. It gives stakeholders a place to discuss Internet-related public policy and exchange perspectives, but it is not the entirety of Internet governance and does not govern the Internet itself. The IGF mandate establishes it as a platform for multistakeholder policy dialogue.
What does the Internet Governance Forum do?
The IGF convenes discussion on issues that affect the Internet’s development, use, security and accessibility. Its mandate includes:
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- Discussing Internet-related public policy issues and connecting organizations working on cross-cutting questions.
- Sharing information and good practices, including on access and affordability.
- Supporting participation by stakeholders from developing countries and strengthening capacity to engage in Internet governance.
- Identifying emerging issues and bringing user concerns and critical Internet resources into policy discussion.
- Contributing to the implementation of the principles agreed through the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) and publishing the forum’s proceedings.
Topics vary over time through open processes and community submissions. Examples on the official IGF site include cybersecurity, AI governance, misinformation, data governance, digital rights, meaningful access and digital sovereignty. See the IGF’s official site for current topics and program information.
Does the IGF make decisions?
No. The IGF has no mandate to negotiate or adopt binding decisions. Its discussions and outputs can inform governments, organizations and other decision-makers. The mandate allows recommendations where appropriate, but those are not binding IGF decisions. The forum’s role is to support dialogue, not replace bodies with authority to make policy or technical decisions.
Who participates in the IGF?
The IGF is an open forum, not a membership organization. Participants come from governments, intergovernmental organizations, companies, civil society, and technical, academic and scientific communities. Its multistakeholder approach is intended to let different groups exchange information and practices on an equal footing. The official FAQ describes the forum as bringing “various people and stakeholder groups to the table as equals.” Read the IGF FAQ.
How did the IGF begin, and what is its status now?
The Tunis Agenda, the 2005 outcome of the second phase of WSIS, asked the UN Secretary-General to convene the IGF. The Secretary-General announced the convening of the forum on 18 July 2006, according to the official FAQ. On 17 December 2025, the UN General Assembly confirmed the IGF as a permanent UN forum through resolution 80/173. The IGF About page records this change in status.
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A Secretariat administered by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) supports the IGF. The Multistakeholder Advisory Group develops the program for the annual meeting. The 2026 annual meeting is scheduled for Nairobi, Kenya, from 14 to 18 December 2026; the official event page describes it as the first global IGF gathering after the permanent-forum decision. Check the official 2026 meeting page for event details.
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