United States of America

Internet governance in the United States involves a complex mix of governmental, private sector, and civil society organisations working together to manage the development and use of the internet. This governance structure ensures the internet remains open, secure, and interoperable while balancing diverse interests and regulatory requirements. Here are the key aspects of internet governance in the United States:

Key Institutions and Stakeholders

Federal Government Agencies:

• Federal Communications Commission (FCC): Regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable. The FCC plays a significant role in policies affecting net neutrality, broadband deployment, and spectrum allocation.
• National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA): Advises the President on telecommunications and information policy issues, representing the US government in international telecommunications matters.
• Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Oversees cybersecurity efforts, working to secure critical infrastructure and protect against cyber threats.

Private Sector:

• Major technology companies such as Google, Facebook, Amazon, and Microsoft have a significant influence on internet governance through their control of vast infrastructure, platforms, and services.
• Internet Service Providers (ISPs) like Comcast, AT&T, and Verizon play a crucial role in providing access and maintaining the infrastructure of the internet.

Civil Society and Advocacy Groups:

• Organisations such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT), and Public Knowledge advocate for policies that protect user rights, privacy, and freedom of expression online.

Key Policy Areas

Net Neutrality:

• Net neutrality has been a contentious issue in U.S. internet governance. It refers to the principle that ISPs should treat all data on the internet equally and not discriminate or charge differently by user, content, website, or application. The FCC’s stance on net neutrality has shifted with different administrations, reflecting the ongoing debate between advocates of open internet and those favoring deregulation.

Privacy and Data Protection:

• While the U.S. lacks a comprehensive federal data protection law, various sector-specific laws (e.g., HIPAA for health data, COPPA for children’s data) and state laws (e.g., California Consumer Privacy Act) govern data privacy. The debate continues on the need for a unified federal privacy framework.

Broadband Access and Digital Divide:

• Efforts to expand broadband access and bridge the digital divide are central to U.S. internet governance. Programs like the FCC’s Universal Service Fund and the NTIA’s BroadbandUSA initiative aim to increase connectivity in underserved and rural areas.

International Engagement:

• The US actively participates in international forums on internet governance, such as the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), to influence global internet policies and promote an open and interoperable internet.

Digital strategies in the United States encompass a broad range of initiatives aimed at leveraging technology to improve government services, boost economic growth, enhance education, and ensure digital inclusion. These strategies are developed at federal, state, and local levels, and involve collaboration between government agencies, private sector partners, and civil society organizations.

At the federal level, the Digital Government Strategy, launched in 2012, aims to improve digital services to citizens and businesses. This strategy focuses on providing better access to government information and services, fostering cross-agency collaboration, and enhancing the use of data to drive decision-making. Another significant federal initiative is the Federal Data Strategy, which is part of the President’s Management Agenda. This strategy promotes data governance, access, and usability to improve government operations and services, emphasizing data-driven decision-making and the use of data to address national challenges.

Digital inclusion is a key aspect of the US digital strategy. The National Broadband Plan, developed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), aims to ensure that every American has access to affordable broadband internet. It includes measures to increase broadband adoption, improve digital literacy, and support broadband deployment in underserved areas. Additionally, the Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program, administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), provides funding to support broadband access and digital inclusion initiatives in historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), tribal colleges, and other minority-serving institutions.

E-government initiatives are also a crucial part of the US digital strategy. USA.gov, the US government’s official web portal, provides citizens with easy access to federal, state, and local government information and services, aiming to improve the delivery of government services through a user-friendly digital platform. The General Services Administration’s Technology Transformation Services (TTS) works to improve the public’s experience with the government by helping federal agencies build, buy, and share technology that allows them to better serve the public.

Supporting startups and fostering innovation are central to the US digital strategy. The Small Business Administration (SBA) provides resources and support for startups and small businesses, including access to funding, mentorship programs, and digital tools to help businesses grow and thrive. Many cities have established tech hubs and innovation districts to foster collaboration between startups, established companies, academic institutions, and government agencies, providing resources and support for technology-driven economic growth. Additionally, federal agencies like the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) fund research in various fields, including computer science, engineering, and information technology, aiming to advance knowledge and drive innovation in the digital economy.

Education and workforce development are critical components of the US digital strategy. Various federal and state programs aim to improve digital literacy among citizens, ensuring they have the skills needed to participate in the digital economy. These programs include training in basic digital skills, cybersecurity awareness, and advanced technical skills. STEM education initiatives, such as those led by the National Science and Technology Council’s Committee on STEM Education (CoSTEM), aim to improve STEM education across the US, focusing on increasing student engagement in STEM fields and preparing the workforce for future technological advancements. Workforce development programs like the TechHire Initiative, launched in 2015, aim to expand local tech sectors by building talent pipelines in communities across the U.S., focusing on training and placing individuals in tech jobs, with an emphasis on underrepresented groups. The U.S. Department of Labor supports apprenticeship programs that provide hands-on training and work experience in various digital and technology fields, helping workers gain the skills needed for high-demand jobs.

Cybersecurity is a critical component of national security in the United States, encompassing the protection of networks, systems, and data from cyberattacks, unauthorized access, and other digital threats. As the country continues to rely heavily on digital infrastructure for its economy, governance, and daily life, ensuring the security of this infrastructure is paramount.

Key Components of US Cybersecurity

Government Agencies and Initiatives

• Department of Homeland Security (DHS): The DHS, particularly through its Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), plays a central role in protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure from cyber threats.
• National Security Agency (NSA): The NSA focuses on protecting national security systems and provides cryptographic solutions and guidance to other federal agencies.
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): The FBI handles cybercrime investigations and works to prevent and respond to cyberattacks.
• United States Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM): This military command is responsible for defending the Department of Defense (DoD) networks and conducting offensive cyber operations when necessary.

Key Legislation

• Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA) of 2015: This law promotes the sharing of cybersecurity threat information between the private sector and the government to improve overall cyber defense capabilities.
• Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) of 2014: This act provides a framework for ensuring the effectiveness of information security controls over federal operations and assets.
• Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2014: This legislation aims to improve cybersecurity in the federal government by enhancing public-private partnerships, promoting cybersecurity research and development, and advancing education and workforce development.

Public-Private Partnerships

• The US government collaborates extensively with the private sector to enhance cybersecurity. Initiatives such as the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC) facilitate information sharing and coordinated responses to cyber incidents.

National Strategies and Policies

• National Cyber Strategy of the United States of America (2023): This strategy outlines the country’s approach to securing cyberspace, deterring malicious actors, and improving national resilience to cyber incidents.
• Executive Order 13800 (2017): This order focuses on strengthening the cybersecurity of federal networks and critical infrastructure, enhancing the protection of the American public’s personal data, and improving the resilience of the internet.

The United States is a global leader in the development and application of artificial intelligence (AI). The 2023 Government AI Readiness Index, produced by Oxford Insights, ranks the United States as the top country in terms of AI readiness. The AI landscape in the US is characterized by a robust ecosystem that includes pioneering research institutions, leading technology companies, significant government initiatives, and a strong regulatory framework. This ecosystem fosters innovation and positions the U.S. at the forefront of AI advancements.

Key Components of the AI Landscape

1. Research and Development
   • Academic Institutions: Renowned universities such as MIT, Stanford, and Carnegie Mellon are at the cutting edge of AI research, contributing to breakthroughs in machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics.
   • Government Research: Agencies like DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) and NSF (National Science Foundation) fund and conduct high-impact AI research, focusing on both foundational technologies and practical applications.
2. Technology Companies
   • Big Tech Leaders: Companies such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, IBM, and Facebook are leading the development of AI technologies. They invest heavily in AI research and development, producing cutting-edge innovations and deploying AI in various products and services.
   • Startups and Innovation: The US is home to a vibrant startup ecosystem, with numerous AI-focused startups driving innovation in areas such as healthcare, finance, autonomous vehicles, and cybersecurity.
3. Government Initiatives and Policies
   • The National AI Initiative Act of 2020: This act established a coordinated federal program to accelerate AI research, development, and deployment across the U.S. government.
   • AI Research Institutes: The establishment of AI research institutes by NSF focuses on multidisciplinary research to address societal challenges and advance AI technologies.
   • The American AI Initiative: Launched in 2019, this initiative aims to ensure American leadership in AI by promoting investment in AI research, unleashing AI resources, removing barriers to AI innovation, and preparing the workforce for the AI era.
   • US President’s Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (2020): This executive order emphasizes the importance of developing AI that is safe, secure, and trustworthy. It mandates federal agencies to prioritize AI research and development that aligns with these principles and to ensure that AI systems are designed and deployed in ways that are ethical and protective of civil liberties and privacy.
4. Public-Private Partnerships
   • Collaborations between government agencies, academia, and industry are crucial for advancing AI. Initiatives such as the Partnership on AI bring together stakeholders to address AI’s ethical, social, and economic impacts.
5. Ethics and Regulation
   • Ethical Frameworks: Organizations like the IEEE and the Partnership on AI develop ethical guidelines to ensure responsible AI development and deployment.
   • Regulatory Approaches: The US government is working on developing regulations that balance innovation with the protection of privacy, security, and civil liberties. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and other regulatory bodies are involved in crafting policies for AI governance.