As leaders in the field of philanthropy, we aim to:
Work to make the internet an open, secure, and equitable space for free expression, economic opportunity, knowledge exchange, and civic engagement that everyone can access and afford.
Support the opportunities created by the networked public sphere: new modes of civic and social participation, lowered barriers to engagement, and innovative ways to organize for positive change and social justice; and guard against potential harm: censorship, self-segregation, the spread of misinformation, and polarization.
Transform learning and ensure that young people have the skills they need to succeed in a connected, complex world: digital literacy, critical thinking, problem solving, curiosity, empathy, understanding, persistence, and more.
Cultivate leaders in business, government, and civil society to understand and fulfill the promise of the internet, and support cross-sector alliances to ensure technology and data are used to advance the public good.
Contribute to the design of internet and information technology policies, practices, and products that enhance data security and protection of individual privacy.
Ensure that philanthropy leads in digital security and data ethics in its own practices.
Ensure that the internet continues to be built, used, and governed in ways that create opportunity for all.
These principles will guide how we use the Internet every day in our work and with our partners.
We invite others to join us.
Join Us
Philanthropy plays a valuable role in creating a safer, more equitable world. We know that the evolving landscape and ubiquitous power of technology demands the attention of philanthropic leaders to ensure that technology is built, used, and governed in a way that fosters opportunity.
We welcome other leaders in philanthropy and the public interest to join us in this urgent effort. For more information, contact the Media Democracy Fund at netgain@mediademocracyfund.org.