The Journey to Establishing Internet Society in Libya
Introduction
As I transition from my role as Chair of Internet Society Libya (ISOC Libya) to a newly elected board, I find it vital to document the journey that has shaped the establishment of ISOC Libya. This narrative aims to reflect on the collective efforts that brought us here, clarify the misconceptions surrounding ISOC Libya, and distinguish it from other entities, particularly those operating under a similar name.
The Internet Society (ISOC), a global organisation that advocates for an open, secure, and inclusive Internet. In Libya, this mission is especially significant, given the country’s complex digital landscape. This story not only recounts the milestones and challenges but also sheds light on the persistent issues of impersonation that have clouded ISOC Libya’s work.
The Early Days: Internet Society in Libya (2002–2011)
The roots of the Internet Society in Libya were planted in 2002 when a community of visionaries began advocating for a connected and accessible Internet for all Libyans. This group’s pivotal achievements included securing Libya’s sovereignty over the .ly domain and fostering early discussions on Internet governance. In 2004, these efforts culminated in the formation of the "Libyan Internet Society," established under decree 178/2004.
Despite its alignment with ISOC’s global values, the Libyan Internet Society operated independently and was not officially chartered by ISOC Global. Its contributions, however, were significant in laying the groundwork for digital progress. Unfortunately, the socio-political upheavals of 2011 led to its dissolution, leaving a gap in advocacy for a structured digital future.
Post-2011: Challenges and Attempts
The post-2011 period marked an era of renewed interest in re-establishing an ISOC presence in Libya. However, it also revealed the complexities of navigating a fragmented digital ecosystem and socio-political instability.
The first attempt came in 2012 when Omar Shoran, a public sector bureaucrat, initiated efforts to establish an ISOC chapter. Shoran and his team adopted the name "Internet Society Libya" and aimed to meet ISOC Global’s chartering requirements. However, the country’s post-revolutionary instability posed significant challenges, making it difficult to form an NGO that could align with ISOC’s stringent criteria. Ultimately, Shoran’s efforts resulted in the founding of a separate organisation named the Libyan Internet Society (LISOC). Although LISOC adopted a name reminiscent of ISOC, it operated independently without formal recognition from ISOC Global. Over time, LISOC used the ISOC name and brand at the international and local levels, causing widespread confusion among stakeholders.
In 2018, after leaving Hexa Connection, I took steps toward re-establishing an ISOC chapter after joining ISOC Global as a member. My vision was to create a platform that empowered Libya’s technical community and encouraged young people’s involvement in Internet governance. Despite the enthusiasm, gathering a committed network of 25 founding members—a key ISOC requirement—proved difficult in the face of Libya’s ongoing instability. Recognising the challenges, I decided to pause the initiative but remained committed to the goal.
The most organised attempt came in 2021, led by Amin Salih, founder of the Libya Technology Foundation. Salih successfully gathered the necessary resources and met ISOC’s chartering criteria. However, his efforts encountered resistance from LISOC founders, who were unwilling to collaborate or relinquish their unofficial association with the ISOC name. Despite the progress Salih made, the lack of cooperation stalled the initiative, underscoring the challenges of reconciling legacy disputes in a fractured ecosystem.
A Turning Point: The Establishment of ISOC Libya (2023–2024)
In 2023, Libya’s Internet community approached me to take the lead in chartering an official ISOC chapter. My history of engagement with LISOC founders positioned me as a mediator capable of navigating the existing conflicts; despite my efforts to foster collaboration, the resistance from LISOC founders persisted, leaving no option but to proceed without their involvement.
In January 2024, ISOC Libya was officially chartered, marking a significant milestone for the country’s digital ecosystem. During my tenure as Chair, ISOC Libya focused on establishing a foundation built on neutrality and inclusivity. We collaborated with organisations like the Annir Initiative to advance digital public policy and partnered with the Libya Technology Foundation to deliver webinars on Internet governance and digital transformation. One of our proudest achievements was the successful organisation of the First School on Internet Governance in Libya, which brought together a diverse group of stakeholders and emerging leaders. This initiative empowered participants with knowledge and skills crucial to navigating Libya’s digital future. Another key accomplishment was hosting the first democratic elections for ISOC Libya’s board, ensuring a sustainable leadership framework for years to come.
Addressing the Issue of Impersonation
One of the most persistent challenges ISOC Libya has faced is the confusion caused by LISOC’s continued use of the ISOC name. This issue has created significant misunderstandings among local and international stakeholders. While ISOC Libya operates as an officially chartered chapter under ISOC Global, LISOC has portrayed itself as the legitimate entity, undermining efforts to build trust and credibility.
This impersonation has had far-reaching implications. Stakeholders are often unsure which organisation represents ISOC Global, resulting in a hesitancy to engage or support ISOC Libya’s initiatives. This confusion extends to funding opportunities, where misrepresentation limits access to critical resources. Moreover, the divisive tactics of unrecognised entities have fragmented the digital community, hindering collaboration and innovation.
Despite these challenges, ISOC Libya has remained committed to transparency. Through open dialogue and clear communication, the chapter continues to differentiate itself and rebuild trust within the community.
Lessons Learned
The journey of establishing ISOC Libya has offered several valuable lessons. First, inclusivity is paramount; engaging diverse stakeholders and reconciling differing perspectives is crucial to progress. Second, transparency is a cornerstone of effective leadership, as it fosters trust and clarifies intentions. Finally, resilience and adaptability are essential when navigating complex socio-political landscapes. These lessons not only guide ISOC Libya’s ongoing efforts but also serve as insights for similar initiatives globally.
The Path Forward
Looking ahead, ISOC Libya is dedicated to strengthening the country’s digital ecosystem. The chapter aims to empower young leaders through targeted training programs, foster collaboration among stakeholders, and expand awareness campaigns to promote digital literacy and inclusion. Advocacy for policy reform will remain a priority, ensuring Libya’s voice is heard on global Internet governance platforms. By maintaining a commitment to neutrality, inclusivity, and transparency, ISOC Libya will continue to serve as a trusted enabler of digital transformation.
The challenges of the past have provided valuable lessons, but they do not define the future. ISOC Libya remains open to all stakeholders who share its vision of a connected, equitable, and innovative digital Libya. Regardless of any historical differences, we extend an open hand to collaborate, build trust, and work together toward a brighter digital future for all Libyans.
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