On September 5, the National Security Council staff’s Deputy Assistant to the President and Coordinator for Intelligence and Defense Policy Maher Bitar and Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Democracy and Human Rights Kelly Razzouk, along with Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Dafna Rand, convened civil society and private sector partners in a historic first-of-its-kind discussion at the White House on virtual private networks (VPNs). In light of increasing threats to online freedom around the world, VPNs are not only critical for the most at-risk but an essential prerequisite for billions of people around the world who want to access the free, open, and global Internet as experienced in the United States. Internet censorship and fragmentation have profound implications for global democracy, U.S. national security, and the competitiveness of American companies.
During the meeting – a follow-on to the 2023 Summit for Democracy Public-Private Sector Call to Advance Democracy-Affirming Technologies – participants focused on how to build on the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to enable free and unrestricted internet access to millions facing digital repression. Representatives discussed operating costs of VPNs as a central challenge of scaling to meet global demand from those living under repressive regimes. The stakeholders also discussed new approaches and steps to reduce VPN costs while expressing broad support for expanding collaboration and outreach.
Working closely with the Open Technology Fund, the Department of State has provided tens of millions of dollars through initiatives like the Surge and Sustain Fund. These funds have enabled millions in autocracies to use these vital technologies. Moving forward, engagement with governmental and non-governmental stakeholders will be bolstered to advance innovative solutions for VPN access while continuing efforts to defend human rights globally.
For further information, please contact DRL-Press@state.gov.
