Israel Internet Association

The Israel Internet Association (ISOC-IL) is an independent non-profit organization established in 1997 to promote internet access and integration across Israel. Our pivotal mission is to ensure the Israeli internet is a reliable, secure, independent, fair, and competitive space for the benefit of internet users and the Israeli public (see: https://en.isoc.org.il). ISOC-IL is first and foremost Israel's country code top-level domains (ccTLD) registry, responsible for managing the registration of '.il' and '.' domain names (see: https://en.isoc.org.il/il-cctld), as well as the ongoing operation of the Israeli Internet eXchange (IIX), which allows secure, fast, unrestricted... read more The Israel Internet Association (ISOC-IL) is an independent non-profit organization established in 1997 to promote internet access and integration across Israel. Our pivotal mission is to ensure the Israeli internet is a reliable, secure, independent, fair, and competitive space for the benefit of internet users and the Israeli public (see: https://en.isoc.org.il). ISOC-IL is first and foremost Israel's country code top-level domains (ccTLD) registry, responsible for managing the registration of '.il' and '.' domain names (see: https://en.isoc.org.il/il-cctld), as well as the ongoing operation of the Israeli Internet eXchange (IIX), which allows secure, fast, unrestricted access to Israeli and global websites and online services at any time and place (see: https://en.isoc.org.il/iix/about-iix). Based on these values and technical expertise, ISOC-IL conducts policy research, educational programs, and emergency response initiatives, working to bridge digital gaps and enhance online safety across Israel's diverse communities, while sharing evidence-based insights with the global internet governance community (see: https://en.isoc.org.il/about/news-room). The Internet Safety Hotline which has been operated by ISOC-IL since 2013, provides assistance, guidance, information and tools for internet users in Israel, empowering individuals and communities to prevent and handle a wide range of online abuses and threats (see: https://en.isoc.org.il/the-internet-safety-hotline). The Internet Safety Hotline is a first responder to hundreds of monthly requests for assistance and support, and is recognized as a trusted partner and flagger by leading social media platforms, web hosting services and URL shortening services, reporting to them directly about instances of abuse and offensive, malicious and illegal content, activities and actors targeting internet users and communities in Israel. Through the operation of the Internet Safety Hotline, ISOC-IL has developed deep expertise and experience in monitoring and reporting abuse and malicious content to social media platforms, utilizing a comprehensive evidence-based approach and knowledge of platform policies to address online threats, supported by academic rigor and a community-focused perspective on pertinent issues (see: https://en.isoc.org.il/data-and-statistics/isoc-ils-internet-safety-hotline-data-and-insights-about-online-abuse-in-israel-in-2023) ISOC-IL conducts programs and produces educational materials promoting digital literacy, broadening the public's understanding of the educational and economic opportunities available on the internet while fostering digital trust, online safety and presenting day-to-day solutions to digital threats. ISOC-IL's main focus in the context of the digital divide is the promotion of digital literacy and inclusion, which focuses on the ability to understand and navigate the computing and internet environment. It encompasses a range of skills - technical, cognitive, and sociological - that are crucial for performing tasks and solving problems in digital environments. There are various expressions of digital literacy, including knowledge of the basic principles of computers, ability to safely browse the internet, ability to perform tasks such as online bill payments and shopping, participation in online communities and social networks while adhering to behavioral norms, critical thinking skills, and capability to find, capture, assess, and understand information presented through digital technology. Digital literacy is considered a survival skill in the information age, enabling and opening "digital doors" to the ever-evolving world of information and knowledge (see: https://en.isoc.org.il/isoc-il-bridging-israels-digital-divide). In the last few years and especially after October 7 and the current war, ISOC-IL staff and leadership have had a key role in shaping public policy and decision making regarding online threats and enhancing information integrity by the state, civil society and the private sector in Israel (see: https://en.isoc.org.il/policy-community/policy-papers/oct7-social/drowning-in-the-flood). ISOC-IL experts have presented the organization's data, analysis, research and reports in leading forums and events - amongst them Knesset committees, leading cyber protection forums and conferences, the Israel Democracy Institute and other important academic and civil society forums in Israel and in the global arena (see: https://en.isoc.org.il/about/news-room/isoc-il-research-featured-in-knesset-policy-report; https://en.isoc.org.il/about/news-room/top-10-disinformation-insights-isoc-il-eu).