The Internet Accountability Compass offers more than a snapshot—it provides a sense of direction. Designed for governments and the wider multistakeholder community, the Compass supports accountability by increasing transparency around national policies and actions that shape the digital space. It is both a tool for assessment and a catalyst for progress.
By illuminating where countries stand and how far they have come, the Compass seeks to inspire ambition, encourage peer learning, and foster collective progress toward a digital future that is open, inclusive, secure, and rights-respecting. The Compass is not prescriptive—it does not claim to be the only path forward. Instead, it offers one possible constellation of indicators and data points that reflect shared aspirations.
To interpret this progress, the Compass uses four categories to describe each country’s current trajectory:
- Off Track: The country’s current efforts diverge from international principles and commitments. A strategic shift is needed to align with shared goals.
- Catching Up: The country has taken steps to align with global objectives; foundations are forming, but progress is still limited or uneven.
- On Track: The country’s policies and actions are aligned with global objectives, showing steady and measurable advancement.
- Leading: The country is not only on track but is setting a positive example—showing innovation, good practices, or leadership that others can learn from.