Policy & Internet Governance
A public-interest approach to a safer, more inclusive Internet.
Connecting Policy to People
MedCivic engages in research and dialogue on DNS policy issues that impact public health, consumer protection and trust online. We support a multistakeholder approach to Internet governance and aim to give a youth and community lens to these discussions.
We believe that the rules shaping the Internet should reflect the needs of the communities who rely on it most. By participating in global policy forums and contributing youth-led perspectives, we work to ensure that health equity and digital safety remain central to how the Internet is governed.
Get Involved"A safer Internet helps build healthier communities."
— MedCivic Policy Team
Our Approach
We center youth and community voices in conversations that are often dominated by technical and corporate stakeholders. Our work bridges grassroots health advocacy and global Internet policy.
ICANN & DNS Policy
MedCivic participates in the multistakeholder processes that shape the Domain Name System and the broader governance of the global Internet.
ICANN Participation
We engage with ICANN's At-Large Advisory Committee (ALAC) and related bodies to represent the public interest, including underrepresented communities, in decisions about domain names and Internet identifiers.
DNS & Public Health
We research how DNS infrastructure and domain policies intersect with the spread of health misinformation, access to telehealth services, and the availability of trustworthy health resources online.
Consumer Protection
We advocate for stronger consumer protections in domain registration processes, including transparent WHOIS policies, anti-abuse mechanisms, and safeguards against deceptive health-related domains.
Multistakeholder Model: MedCivic supports the multistakeholder model of Internet governance, which ensures that decisions about the Internet are made with input from governments, the private sector, civil society, and the technical community — not any single entity.
Key Policy Areas
MedCivic monitors and engages on the following Internet governance issues that have direct or indirect consequences for community health and wellbeing.
Health Misinformation & Domain Abuse
Combating the registration and use of deceptive domains that spread false health information or impersonate legitimate medical providers.
Access to Telehealth Services
Ensuring that DNS infrastructure and connectivity policies support equitable access to telehealth platforms, especially for underserved and rural communities.
Privacy & WHOIS Reform
Balancing transparency in domain registration with the privacy rights of individuals and civil society organizations operating in sensitive health contexts.
New gTLD Program & Health Namespaces
Advocating for responsible stewardship of health-related top-level domains (e.g., .health, .pharmacy) to protect consumers and ensure genuine public benefit.
Youth Digital Rights & Safety
Promoting Internet governance policies that protect young people online, including safeguards against predatory health marketing, cyberbullying, and exploitation.
Multilingualism & Health Equity
Supporting internationalized domain names (IDNs) and multilingual Internet resources to ensure that health information is accessible to communities in their own languages.
"A safer Internet helps build healthier communities."
— MedCivic Policy TeamPolicy Briefs
MedCivic publishes accessible policy briefs that translate complex Internet governance issues into plain language for communities, advocates, and policymakers.
Coming 2025
Health Misinformation & Domain Registration: A Framework for Reform
An analysis of how domain registration processes can be strengthened to reduce the proliferation of health misinformation websites and protect consumers.
Download BriefComing 2025
Youth Voices in ICANN: Building Pathways for Next-Generation Participation
Recommendations for increasing meaningful youth participation in ICANN's policy development processes and related Internet governance forums.
Download BriefComing 2025
Telehealth Access & the DNS: Closing the Digital Health Gap
How Internet governance policy and DNS infrastructure decisions affect equitable access to telehealth services in underserved communities.
Download BriefStay Updated: MedCivic policy briefs are published as our research and advocacy work develops. Sign up for updates to be notified when new briefs are released.
Shape Internet Policy With Us
Whether you are a student, researcher, or community advocate, there is a role for you in the multistakeholder Internet governance ecosystem.