internet freedom
Since 2011, the Lantos Foundation has focused intensely on internet freedom issues and has established itself as a powerful voice advocating for increased online accessibility for those in closed societies and greater investments in internet freedom technologies.
Countries like China and Iran have created “Great Firewalls” that are the 21st century equivalent of the Cold War era’s Berlin Wall. By opening the internet to those in closed societies, there can be greater freedom, understanding, and communication within those societies and globally. Indeed, we believe that internet freedom represents the next frontier of human rights work, and it is a vital part of our mission to carry the noble banner of human rights to every corner of the world – whether in person or digitally.
Investments in internet freedom technologies can be complicated. Though we firmly believe that Silicon Valley and other technology companies that operate in free societies should be at the forefront of funding both emerging and legacy technologies to increase internet accessibility and privacy for those in closed societies, the truth is that business interests in closed societies often conflict with companies’ aspirations to be good global citizens. Given this reality, we believe that democratic governments are in a unique position to help pierce the digital curtain of internet restrictions in countries with repressive governments. The Lantos Foundation works with United States government, as well as numerous other human rights groups and civil society organizations, to ensure that funds are appropriated and properly expended in order to advance this key freedom. Together with 21 Wilberforce they work with a diverse range of organizations and individuals advocating for internet freedom.