State Department Releases Cyberspace & Digital Policy Strategy

On May 6, the State Department released the “United States International Cyberspace & Digital Policy Strategy.” Introducing the strategy, the department wrote that “[a]n innovative, rights-respecting international cyberspace and digital technology policy strategy is foundational to U.S. strategic, security, economic, and foreign policy interests.” 

According to the strategy, the State Department will work with interagency partners to promote international “digital solidarity” through four areas of action, undergirded by three principles. The strategy defines digital solidarity as “a willingness to work together on shared goals, to help partners build capacity, and to provide mutual support.” 

The four areas of action are advancing an open and secure digital environment; coordinating “rights-respecting approaches to digital and data governance” with partners abroad; promoting responsible actions in cyberspace and defending against “threats to cyberspace and critical infrastructure” through engagement with international partners; and bolstering and expanding partners’ digital and cyber capabilities. 

The three foundational principles of the strategy are to first, “pursue an affirmative vision for cyberspace and digital technologies focused on delivering the benefits of technology,” rooted in international agreements and international law. Second, the department commits to promoting “cybersecurity, sustainable development, and technological innovation” in all of its efforts to build digital solidarity. Third, the strategy says the department will employ diplomatic and “international statecraft” tools to implement its policies. 

You can read the strategy here.