Internet Policy Task Force
The Commerce Department Office of the Secretary, leveraging the expertise of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (“NTIA”), the Patent and Trademark Office ("PTO"), the National Institute of Standards and Technology ("NIST), and the International Trade Administration (“ITA”), has created an Internet Policy Task Force to conduct a comprehensive review of the nexus between privacy policy, copyright, global free flow of information, cybersecurity, and innovation in the Internet economy.
Recognizing the vital importance of the Internet to U.S. innovation, prosperity, education and political and cultural life, the Commerce Department has made it a top priority to ensure that the Internet remains open for innovation. The newly created Internet Policy Task Force will identify leading public policy and operational challenges in the Internet environment. The Task Force leverages expertise across many bureaus, including those responsible for domestic and international information and communications technology policy, international trade, cyber security standards and best practices, intellectual property, business advocacy and export control.
Task Force Initiatives
- Privacy (NTIA, ITA, NIST)
- Copyright (PTO, NTIA)
- Global Free Flow of Information (ITA, NTIA)
- Cybersecurity (OS, NIST, NTIA)
Related content
Increasing the Potential of IoT through Security and Transparency
The Internet of Things (IoT) offers a wide range of consumer benefits – from the ability to control your thermostat or light fixtures through a smartphone, to an Internet-connected home security system, to wearables such as Internet-connected fitness bands and watches and beyond. To help realize the full innovative potential of IoT, users need reasonable assurance that IoT devices and applications will be secure.
One particular area of concern is whether and how to address potential security vulnerabilities in IoT devices or applications through patching and security upgrades. In the early IoT market, there has sometimes been limited consideration for supporting future security patches, even though many devices will eventually need them. Enabling a thriving market for devices that support security upgrades requires common definitions so consumers know what they are getting.
Currently, no such common, widely accepted definitions exist, and manufacturers can struggle to effectively communicate to consumers the security features of their devices. This is detrimental to the digital ecosystem as a whole, as it does not reward companies that invest in patching and it prevents consumers from making informed purchasing choices.
Enabling Growth and Innovation in the Digital Economy
Enabling Growth and Innovation in the Digital Economy canvasses eight cross-cutting areas and is the product of a Department-wide collaborative effort, organized around the Digital Economy Leadership Team’s four policy pillars: I.) The Free and Open Internet; II.) Trust and Security Online; III.) Innovation and Emerging Technologies; and IV.) Access and Skills.