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Internet Impact Briefs – A New Way to Assess How Policies May Affect the Internet (and How You Can Create One)

The internet has become an integral part of our daily lives, revolutionizing the way we communicate, access information, and conduct business. With its widespread use, policymakers and stakeholders are constantly grappling with how to effectively govern and regulate the internet. One innovative approach that has emerged is the use of Internet Impact Briefs, a new way to assess how policies may affect the Internet and how anyone can create one.

Internet Impact Briefs are concise documents that provide a comprehensive analysis of the potential impact of proposed policies on the Internet. They are designed to help policymakers, stakeholders, and the general public understand the implications of policy decisions on the Internet's functionality, accessibility, and openness. Internet Impact Briefs provide evidence-based assessments, taking into account technical, economic, social, and legal factors to evaluate the potential impact of policies on the Internet ecosystem.


The need for Internet Impact Briefs arises from the rapidly changing landscape of the internet and it's evolving nature. As new technologies, business models, and online behaviors emerge, policymakers face challenges in keeping up with the pace of change and understanding the complex interplay between policy decisions and the internet ecosystem. Internet Impact Briefs fill this gap by providing a structured framework for evaluating policy proposals and their potential impact on the Internet.

Creating an Internet Impact Brief involves several key steps. First, it requires a thorough understanding of the policy proposal under consideration. This includes reviewing relevant legislation, regulations, or other policy documents, as well as understanding the context, objectives, and implications of the proposal. Next, it involves conducting research to gather data and evidence on the potential impact of the proposal on the internet ecosystem. This may involve consulting with subject-matter experts, conducting surveys or interviews, reviewing existing literature, or analyzing relevant data and statistics.

Once the data is collected, it needs to be analyzed and synthesized to provide a comprehensive assessment of the potential impact of the policy proposal on the internet. This analysis should take into account the technical, economic, social, and legal aspects of the Internet ecosystem, considering both short-term and long-term effects. The findings should be presented in a clear and concise manner, using language that is accessible to a wide audience, including policymakers, stakeholders, and the general public.

Internet Impact Briefs should also provide recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders to consider when making decisions about the policy proposal. These recommendations should be based on the analysis of the potential impact of the proposal on the Internet ecosystem and should aim to ensure that the Internet remains functional, accessible, and open. Recommendations may include suggestions for modifications to the proposal, alternative approaches, or additional measures to mitigate potential negative impacts.

One of the key benefits of Internet Impact Briefs is that they provide a proactive and evidence-based approach to policy assessment. Instead of reacting to policy proposals after they have been implemented, Internet Impact Briefs allow policymakers and stakeholders to assess the potential impact of policies before they are implemented, providing an opportunity to make more informed decisions. Internet Impact Briefs can also promote transparency and accountability in the policy-making process, by making the analysis and recommendations publicly available and subject to scrutiny.

Internet Impact Briefs can be created by a wide range of stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, industry associations, academic institutions, and individual experts. They can be used in various policy contexts, such as legislative hearings, regulatory proceedings, public consultations, or advocacy efforts. Internet Impact Briefs can also serve as educational resources for the general public, helping them understand the potential implications of policy decisions on the Internet and empowering them to engage in the policy-making process.

In conclusion, Internet Impact Briefs are a new way to assess how policies may affect the Internet and provide a valuable tool for policymakers, stakeholders, and the general public. By offering evidence-based assessments of the potential impact of policy proposals on the Internet ecosystem, Internet Impact Briefs can contribute to informed.

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