The United States partnered with countries around the world to declare their commitment to ensuring all people have access to an open, inclusive and secure internet, the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) announced last month.
DOC officials and representatives from 60 other countries announced the "Declaration for the Future of the Internet" on April 28, the DOC reported at the time. The declaration is the nations' recommitment to "the vision of the global Internet as a platform for openness and innovation, while promoting and protecting human rights," according to the report.
DOC Deputy Secretary Don Graves said "too many" U.S. families still lack internet access so national and global cooperation was needed to "stem the digital divide and enable unprecedented growth and prosperity for everyone,” the DOC reports.
“The reality of the world that we live in is that if you are not connected to high-speed internet, you cannot meaningfully participate in our 21st century economy," Graves said. "This Declaration seeks to upend that injustice, and the Department of Commerce and the entire Administration will continue to do the work necessary to achieve that objective.”
The DOC reports the declaration intends to support a worldwide internet that promotes the free flow of information; to protect human rights and freedoms; improve access to reliable, affordable internet service; and develop security and privacy safeguards.
“The Declaration represents a timely opportunity to recommit to a shared vision of the global Internet as an open platform for opportunity, innovation, and understanding,” Alan Davidson, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Administrator and DOC assistant secretary for Communications and Information said in the announcement “NTIA looks forward to engaging with stakeholders and partners around the world to fully realize the Declaration’s potential.”
DOC Secretary Gina Raimondo said the declaration's ambitions for secure, reliable and global internet access is fundamental to the work of the DOC, according to the statement. She also noted the significance of the date of the declaration signing for women in IT.
“I am also thrilled that the United States is joining this historic Declaration during International Girls in ICT Day," Raimondo said at the signing event, according to the DOC. "Supporting women and girls in the Information and Communications Technology sector is essential to supporting the goals we have laid out today.
"As we carry out President Biden’s ambitious goal to connect every single American to high-speed internet," Raimondo said, "this declaration reaffirms our commitment to advancing a positive vision for the internet and digital technologies, while ensuring that all people are able to reap these benefits."
