Global Internet Freedom Task Force Strategy Announcement
Ambassador David A. Gross, U.S. Coordinator for International Communications and Information Policy
Remarks as Prepared for Delivery
Washington, DC
December 20, 2006
The Internet is arguably the greatest facilitator for freedom of expression and innovation in the world today. The
United States recognizes the importance freedom of expression and ideas and the free flow of information on the Internet
to economic development and its influence in facilitating greater social and political debate. We also recognize that
numerous governments around the world unduly restrict freedom of expression on the Internet despite their international
commitments to freedom of expression, such as those made at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) and as
found in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The United States is committed to maximizing freedom of expression and the free flow of information and ideas,
consistent with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international legal instruments, as well as decades of
U.S. support for freedom of expression around the world. We refer to such freedom of expression and the free flow of
information and ideas on the Internet as & ldquo;Internet Freedom.”
Increased access to the Internet allows citizens to express ideas and opinions more freely, encourages the expansion of
democracy and accountable government, lowers the cost of doing business, creates new jobs, and expands the provision of
education, health, and government services. In order for countries to realize the full potential of the Internet and
related information technologies, they must maximize Internet freedom. Maximizing freedom of expression and the free
flow of information on the Internet can create opportunities and competition. Unfettered access means a level playing
field for businesses that operate and advertise on the Internet. Censorship by some countries creates an unfair
environment for online business and stifles competition.
As Paula mentioned, our strategy is a robust three-pronged approach. It includes: (1) increasing our monitoring of
challenges to Internet Freedom in countries around the World; (2) responding more vigorously to challenges to Internet
Freedom through diplomatic channels, both bilaterally and multilaterally, and (3) advancing Internet Freedom using
diplomatic and commercial policy tools.
As U.S. Coordinator for International Communications and Information Policy, I lead the U.S. government’s international
efforts on telecommunications and information technology (IT) policy. Over the course of the last several years, I have
spoken extensively both one-on-one to representatives of foreign governments as well as in multilateral settings (such
as international conferences) to underscore the importance of freedom of expression and the free flow of information on
the Internet. In addition to promoting the benefits of Internet freedom with individual countries, we have approached
like-minded countries such as Japan, the United Kingdom, India, and the European Union to enlist their support and
engagement in this effort.
A commitment to the free flow of information and freedom of expression on the Internet is not just the view of a few
like-minded countries. More than 170 governments endorsed the 2005 Tunis Commitment of the United Nation’s World Summit
on the Information Society (WSIS), which “recognize[d] that freedom of expression and the free flow of information,
ideas, and knowledge are essential for the Information Society and beneficial to development.”
Mindful of the Internet’s key role as a means for personal expression, the United States led the effort at the Summit,
in close coordination with like-minded countries, to ensure that the fundamental principles of the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights were reflected in the Tunis Commitment.
Most recently I participated in the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Athens, Greece and the International
Telecommunication Union Plenipotentiary Conference in Antalya, Turkey. At those gatherings, we reiterated the
Administration& rsquo;s position that the Internet should remain as unencumbered by regulation as feasible and promoted our concept of
Internet Freedom.
As a government, the United States has also put resources behind the cause of Internet Freedom. Through multiple U.S.
government programs (including USAID projects and the Telecommunications Leadership Program) and public-private
partnerships (The Digital Freedom Initiative), the United States Government promotes expanded Internet access and the
availability of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in developing countries. Since 2004, the U.S.
government has spent over $250 million on projects that include the design of websites and databases, training on ICTs,
and the provision of computer hardware in developing countries. Our assistance also helps create an enabling policy and
regulatory environment that attracts investment and encourages private sector innovation to fully harness the potential
of ICTs.
As we move forward, we will continue to work with stakeholders – including NGOs and Industry – to maximize our efforts
to promote Internet Freedom. Our first event of the New Year will be a conference featuring NGOs and Industry that we
are proposing for late January 2007 here at the State Department. Such a conference will offer an opportunity for us to
share experiences and to continue to develop strategies to promote Internet Freedom and to confront challenges to the
free flow of information and freedom of expression on the Internet.
I want to thank you for your interest in this important subject and for attending our event today. Jeff Krilla and I
look forward to an opportunity to discuss this important subject with you informally over some refreshments. Released on
December 21, 2006
ENDS