At a time when repression on the Internet is increasing and associated policy issues have become one of the most intensely discussed international issue, the Coalition has a vital role to play in promoting the values of democracy and human rights online.
The FOC aims to be a proactive coalition that ensures Internet freedom issues are on the international policy agenda as a way to drive concrete policy changes and outcomes.
The FOC's Mission
The Freedom Online Coalition is a group of countries deeply committed to the human rights and fundamental freedoms proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We believe that the human rights that people have offline must also be protected online. We commit to working together, and with all others who share these views, to support Internet freedom and protect human rights online worldwide.
The FOC aims to be a proactive Coalition that ensures Internet freedom issues are on the international policy agenda as a way to drive concrete policy changes and outcomes.
To view the Coalition’s priorities, activities and current Program of Action click below to read more.
History
The FOC was established at the inaugural Freedom Online Conference in The Hague, 2011 where it was launched by the Dutch Foreign Minister Uri Rosenthal, with keynote remarks from U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Members
Since its founding Conference, the FOC has grown from 15 members in 2011 to 41 today, spanning from Africa to Asia, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East.
Structure
Day to day political coordination of the FOC rests in the hands of the Coalition Chair. In 2024, the Freedom Online Coalition is chaired by the Netherlands.
FOC Documents
To view the Freedom Online Coalition’s documents including joint statements, background papers, the FOC document pack and the Coalition’s underpinning documents use the search option above or click read more below.
