Internet Governance Labs

Internet Governance Labs at IGF 2026

When: 14-18 December, 2026

Where: Nairobi, Kenya

Internet Governance Labs (IG Labs) are a new exploratory format of the annual Internet Governance Forum (IGF) designed to examine how emerging technologies may or may not affect the use of the Internet and its governance.

IG Labs are intended to provide an open, structured and multistakeholder process for examining concrete governance proposals in response to emerging challenges affecting the Internet. The pilot IG Lab at IGF 2026 will focus on the workstream “Artificial Intelligence and the Internet”, considering how AI may affect the Internet’s architecture, operation, use, openness and governance.

Rather than negotiating outcomes or establishing formal IGF positions, the IG Labs will examine and stress-test proposals in an open setting, including their underlying assumptions, feasibility and possible implications for an open, global and interoperable Internet. Participation in the process does not constitute endorsement of the proposals examined.

For the 2026 pilot, stakeholders were invited to submit practical governance proposals under three thematic streams. Up to three proposals will be selected for presentation and structured multistakeholder examination during the 21st IGF, which will be held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 14 to 18 December 2026.

The open and community-driven consultation process regarding the labs’ implementation will be supported by the Global Initiative on the Future of the Internet at the European University Institute (EUI).

Visit the IGF website for the latest updates, and to explore the list of received IG Labs Proposals or read more about the call and format. Register for the 2026 Internet Governance forum via the UN Indico platform.

Questions concerning the IG labs may be submitted to: IGF Secretariat Email: labs@intgovforum.org ; Website: www.intgovforum.org