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)
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Finding Common Ground on UAS
More than a year ago, President Obama asked NTIA to convene stakeholders to help develop best practices to address privacy, transparency and accountability issues related to private and commercial use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).
I want to join Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker in congratulating the stakeholders who reached consensus yesterday on a set of best practices that will help guide the development and growth of UAS in the United States. I also want to thank everyone who put in the many hours of work throughout this process. Multistakeholder processes only succeed through stakeholders’ dedication, hard work and willingness to compromise.
UAS holds the potential to provide significant benefits to both industry and consumers in myriad ways. These include using UAS to inspect cell phone towers without risking human lives, monitor crop growth and take aerial photos of real estate.
The best practices agreed to by a diverse group of stakeholders -- including privacy and consumer advocates, industry, news organizations and trade associations -- represent an important step in building consumer trust, giving users the tools to innovate in this space in a manner that respects privacy, and providing accountability and transparency.
Notice of Extension of Comment Period on the Benefits, Challenges, and Potential Roles for the Government in Fostering the Advancement of the Internet of Things
On April 6, 2016, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) issued a notice and request for public comments to initiate an inquiry to review the current technological and policy landscape for the Internet of Things (IoT). In response to requests for additional time in which to comment, NTIA through this notice extends the closing deadline for submitting comments to 5 p.m. on June 2, 2016.