How the Internet Really Works

An Illustrated Guide to protocols, privacy, censorship, and governance

How the Internet Really Works is an accessible, comic book-like, illustrated introduction to how the internet works under the hood, designed to give people a basic understanding of the technical aspects of the Internet that they need in order to advocate for digital rights.

The present book has no lesser goal than to […] lay the foundations of competence for a democratic, resilient and sustainable digital society.
— Linus Neumann (Chaos Computer Club)

How the Internet Really Works is a comic book-like introduction to the technical side of the internet, narrated by Catnip, a cute feline character. The book contains playful illustrations and concise explanations detailing transport protocols and basic internet infrastructure as well as larger technological concepts like security and privacy, algorithms, and internet governance. You will gain enough technical understanding to become knowledgeable about digital privacy concerns that affect every internet user.

Because only the people who understand the digital world can also shape this world, and the internet being a public space, it's high time to get involved. — Cheryl Cadamuro

ARTICLE 19 is an international non-profit organization that seeks to promote, develop, and protect freedom of expression, including access to information. Headquartered in London, with offices in Bangladesh, Brazil, Kenya, Mexico, Senegal, Tunisia, Myanmar, and the USA, ARTICLE 19 works to bridge the knowledge gap about Internet infrastructure and why it matters for people.

Comprehensive and presents the subject well. It will be very helpful to all people doing IML, digital literacy training, and other educational activities.
— Stéphane Bortzmeyer (IETF)

Table of contents

• Chapter 1: How is the Internet Networked?
• Chapter 2: What Form Does Information Take on the Internet?
• Chapter 3: How Do Devices Communicate on the Internet?
• Chapter 4: How Does Information Travel on the Internet?
• Chapter 5: How Do People Relate to Information on the Internet?
• Chapter 6: What Can Interfere With Information Traveling Across the Internet?
• Chapter 7: How Can Information Travel Anonymously Over the Internet?
• Chapter 8: What Control Do Machines Have?
• Chapter 9: How does the Internet Build on Previous Technology?
• Chapter 10: Who Controls the Internet?
• Chapter 11: How is Power Distributed Over the Decentralized Internet?
• Chapter 12: How Can Civil Society Engage in Internet Governance?