Have you ever wanted to gain a deeper understanding of the
complexities of the digital environment? To have a map of the Internet
measuring its compliance with human rights, evaluating its openness
and accessibility, and assessing the involvement of different actors
and communities in its governance? If so, UNESCO’s Internet
Universality Indicators are for you.
In the 21st century, digital technologies offer unprecedented
opportunities for access to information, freedom of expression, human
connectivity, technological innovations, as well as multistakeholder
engagement. At the same time, they pose major challenges,
especially with regards to free expression, privacy, online disinformation, the safety of journalists, transparency,
accountability, deepening inequalities, gender and other divides.
For this reason, UNESCO has developed the Internet Universality Indicators (IUIs), an innovative tool to support
our Member States and all interested stakeholders. The Indicators enable everyone to voluntarily assess their
national Internet environment, address digital gaps, and improve the Internet.
The Internet Universality Indicators are linked to the very heart of UNESCO’s mandate to “promote the free
flow of ideas by word and image” and build inclusive Knowledge Societies. This new and unique resource
can strengthen the Internet’s role in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.