Protecting Core Internet Resources and Access in Contexts of Conflict and Crises

During the 2025 IGF cycle, this Best Practice Forum (BPF) will examine the importance of protecting core Internet resources and securing Internet access in conflict and crisis situations. The work will be conducted through open and inclusive multistakeholder consultations, including regular meetings and other engagement opportunities.

Background

The thematic main session on 'Protecting Internet Infrastructure and general access during times of crisis and conflict' at the IGF2024 in Riyadh pointed unambiguously to the need for work to be done to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the multistakeholder internet community - and the institutions that are part of it - with regard to securing and protecting core internet resources and access to the internet for civilians in contexts of conflicts and crises. 

Planned approach for 2025

Gather community and stakeholder input to:

1. Formulate a problem statement
2. Identify the main challenges
3. Identify norms, agreements and processes that are applicable, assess they are useful and adhered to, and identify gaps 
4. Identify existing operational best practices

Tentative dates / activties

BPF Kick off call, 6 MAY 2025, 10am UTC - zoom registration link 

BPF Coordinating team 

• Ms Valeria Betancourt - MAG BPF co-facilitator
• Ms Anriette Esterhuysen - BPF co-facilitator
• Mr Wim Degezelle - BPF consultant, IGF Secretariat 

To stay informed and actively participate, we encourage you to subscribe to the BPF’s dedicated mailing list.

The BPF welcomes community volunteers to help with the collection of information, analysis and drafting. Contact bpf-cybersecurity-info@intgovforum.org if interested in joining the work

To learn more about the so far BPF Cybersecurity work since 2014, please visit this page.