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Clinton to Unveil Tech Policy Initiative for Global Internet Access

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will unveil a technology policy initiative next week to promote global internet access and freedom, according to an adviser. The announcement, scheduled for January 21, aims to provide citizens in other countries with uncensored internet access. This move comes after Clinton met with tech heavyweights, including Google's Eric Schmidt, Twitter's Jack Dorsey, and Microsoft's Craig Mundie, to discuss ways to counter internet censorship.

Key Takeaways:

  • The tech policy initiative will focus on "Internet freedom" and aim to provide citizens in other countries with uncensored internet access.
  • The initiative is a response to countries that systematically stifle their citizens' access to information, such as China, Iran, Cuba, and others.
  • The State Department has documented China's increased censorship and manipulation of the press and the internet during major events.
  • Iran has limited internet speed and technology, making it difficult for citizens to download internet material or access blocked websites.
  • Clinton's senior adviser for innovation, Alec Ross, noted that people do not have universal access to an uncensored internet, particularly in the Caucasus region.
  • The State Department reported that Iran's internet restrictions have made it difficult for citizens to circumvent government restrictions and access blocked websites.
  • The tech policy initiative aims to address these issues and promote global internet access and freedom.

Statistics:

  • The State Department's 2008 human rights report highlighted China's increased censorship and manipulation of the press and the internet during major events.
  • Iran has limited internet speed and technology, making it difficult for citizens to download internet material or access blocked websites.
  • January 21: The date when Clinton will unveil the tech policy initiative.

Sources:

  • Reuters
  • State Department's 2008 human rights report
  • Cyber Media
  • Contify.com

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