The Internet (or 'net) was the term for the early global computer and communications network on Earth in the 20th and 21st centuries.
The work of Chronowerx and Henry Starling led to the development of the internet, laptops, and barcode readers. (VOY: "Future's End, Part II")
By the 2020s, the Interface became the primary public means of accessing the Net. A number of channels, such as Channel 90 posted information through the Net. In order to access the net, a person would have to have to log on with a specific access number.
Some agencies, such as Sanctuary Districts, did not post their records over the Net. According to history, in 2024, during the Bell Riots, a group of residents of Sanctuary District A, led by Gabriel Bell, were able to access Channel 90 on the Net and present their stories. This would change public opinion and lead to the abolition of sanctuary districts. (DS9: "Past Tense, Part I", "Past Tense, Part II")
Background
Star Trek has had a long presence on the internet. The official site for Star Trek Generations, launched in 1994, was the first site to officially publicize a feature film. November 1995 saw the creation of the official site for the entire franchise, StarTrek.com. As early as December 2001, there was a Wikipedia entry on Star Trek. This eventually led to the founding of Memory Alpha in November 2003.