GNI welcomes expressions of interest from potential members. If you are a for-profit, non-profit, or an academic organization with a shared commitment to GNI Principles we would like to hear from you! Currently our membership is made up of four constituencies: companies, civil society organizations, investors, and academics. All constituencies play an active role in promoting the GNI Principles and work collaboratively in a multi-stakeholder manner, while maintaining distinct roles. For example:

  • Companies commit to implementing and upholding the Principles within their organizations;
  • civil society organizations bring their in depth knowledge and expertise on human rights along with direct connection to people on the ground in many countries around the world;
  • investors include consideration of the issues covered in the Principles into their investment decision making; and
  • academics bring analysis, research and insight into trends to the work of GNI.

GNI is inviting a limited number of companies who are actively considering joining GNI and interested in learning more about its approach to advancing privacy and freedom of expression to apply for observer status.

Follow these steps to become a GNI member:

Step 1 – A Statement of Intent

Please send a statement of intent from a senior member of your organization to [email protected] outlining:

  • Your interest in joining GNI
  • Your commitment to the Principles and Implementation Guidelines of GNI
  • Which constituency you would wish to be a part of
  • How our work relates to your organization
  • What your organization plans to contribute to GNI
  • Your commitment to the confidential nature of the discussions within GNI

Please also include relevant information about your organization such as annual reports, research papers, and other explanatory materials.

Step 2 – A detailed conversation

Once we have received your statement of intent we will contact you to discuss membership in more detail.

Step 3 – Consultation with existing GNI participants

We will talk with members of the constituency that you plan to join. For example, if you are an academic, we will consult with the academic constituency.

In parallel, your application materials will be reviewed by our Board committee on Membership.

Step 4 – The Decision by the GNI Board

After consultation with our current members and conversations with you, the Executive Director will make a recommendation to the GNI Board members who will then vote on your application.

Step 5 – Notification of the GNI Board’s decision

You will be contacted by the Executive Director about the GNI Board’s decision.

How much does it cost to join GNI?

Company membership fees are on a sliding scale according to revenue.
For non-company constituencies we ask for a nominal contribution of at least $100.
Academics who serve in a personal capacity do not pay a fee.

What to do if you have questions…

If you have questions or would like to learn more about GNI before starting the membership process, please contact us at [email protected]