Internet Health Report

What was the Internet Health Report?

The Internet Health Report was created in 2017 to document and explain what’s happening to the health of the internet from year to year. At the time, the Mozilla Foundation and Mozilla Corporation worked together to develop a framework for “internet health” that focused on five issue areas (Decentralization, Openness, Privacy & Security, Web Literacy and Digital Inclusion) and the report was key to socializing the term and explaining what it means for the internet to be “healthy”.

The report was designed to be “open source” in the sense that it drew on input from hundreds of people, as well as staff and allies of Mozilla. Then and today, its goal is to provide a compelling, credible and broadly accessible source of information on the state of Mozilla’s priority internet issues. It serves both as a touchstone for those who track internet issues, and as an ‘issue platform’ that informs the work of the Mozilla community and our allies.

After three editions using the internet health framework, MoFo’s programmatic focus narrowed to trustworthy AI, and the report pivoted with a slight shift in focus too.

Timeline

2017	Internet Health Report 0.1 English, German, French and Spanish.	“What’s helping (and what’s hurting) our largest global resource” This report was a prototype and planted a seed for further discussion about indicators of internet health, including in a custom-made online discussion forum.
2018	Internet Health Report English, German, French, Spanish	“How healthy is the internet?” This was the first complete edition and included around 50 articles with stories, data visuals and analysis across a range of topics, translated into four languages.
2019	Internet Health Report + Reading lists + Book English, German, French, Spanish	“How healthy is the internet?” This report included included the ability to create and share a personal reading list. It was published simultaneously as an open access book by an academic publisher.
2019	*Privacy Included: Rethinking the Smart Home English only	This special edition of the Internet Health Report was published as a companion to Mozilla’s 2019 *Privacy Not Included buyer’s guide. It was based on conversations with more than two dozen people working from different angles to better the global ecosystem for smart home devices.
2021	Internet Health Report + 100 People English only	“A healthier internet is possible” This report included data visuals and three spotlight articles, plus a feature with 100 leaders who shared their healthy and unhealthy moments for the internet in 2020.
2022	Internet Health Report + IRL Podcast English only	“AI in Real Life” This report included a compilation of facts and figures showing who has power over AI (and who doesn’t) and a podcast featuring over a dozen voices on AI worldwide.

What was the mission statement of the report?

Quote: “The Internet Health Report articulates Mozilla’s voice and opinions. We forecast and reflect on ‘what can be done’ (and what is being done) by telling stories of people and initiatives that serve as exemplary prototypes for the innovations and collaborations necessary for systemic change.

“The report’s opinionated stance is rooted in research and evidence and its content is shaped by inputs from Mozilla’s staff, global communities and allies.”

Who created the Internet Health Report?

The report was steered by the Foundation’s onetime Insights team under the leadership of Kasia Odrozek (director) and J. Bob Alotta (VP of Global Programs). The earliest editions were led by Sam Burton (former director) and Mark Surman (executive director) with the Policy team.

Solana Larsen was the editor of the Internet Health Report, working with Eeva Moore (engagement manager), Stefan Baack (research and data analyst), and Neha Ravella (research project manager).

Since its inception, the report counted on contributions from many, many other Mozillians, including from policy, product and marketing teams, and fellows.

Who was the audience for the Internet Health Report?

Over the years, the report narrowed its primary target audience to technology builders and policy makers/influencers, but it always enjoyed broad readership including from researchers, activists, journalists, and Mozilla supporters. The 2018 report launched at a time when global public awareness of privacy and big tech consolidation of power was only just beginning to take shape.

Other materials and links

2019	New York City Internet Health Report	A project by Mozilla senior fellow Meghan McDermott in collaboration with the NYC Mayor’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer.
2020	Community Leaders for Internet Health Report	Digital Grassroots’ Uffa Modey and Esther Mwema led an adaptation of the report featuring eight internet community leaders from Belarus, Benin, Kenya, Mauritius and Uganda.