Internet Policy

As the Executive Branch agency responsible for advising the President on telecommunications and information policy issues, NTIA is committed to the continued growth of the Internet. As the Internet evolves, new challenges emerge. Working with other stakeholders, NTIA is developing policies to preserve an open, interconnected global Internet that supports continued innovation and economic growth, investment, and the trust of its users. This multistakeholder model of Internet policymaking – convening government, the private sector, and civil society to address issues in a timely and flexible manner – has been responsible for the past success of the Internet and is critical to its future.

Among other efforts, NTIA plays a leading role in the Commerce Department's Internet Policy Task Force, which is conducting a comprehensive policy review related to online privacy, copyright protection, cybersecurity, and the global free flow of information with the goal of ensuring that the Internet remains open for innovation.

NTIA also actively leads and participates in interagency efforts to develop Internet policy. In addition, NTIA works with other governments and international organizations to discuss and reach consensus on relevant Internet policy issues.

NTIA Applauds Copyright Office’s Actions on DMCA Exemptions to Support Competition and Innovation

October 29, 2021

Every three years, NTIA makes recommendations to the Copyright Office in a process in which the Librarian of Congress determines exemptions to the anti-circumvention provision in the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. This provision prohibits the circumvention of technological measures that control access to copyrighted works.

This provision, while designed to deter copyright infringement, can also make it more difficult for Americans to engage in a variety of non-infringing activities, such as repairing machinery, conducting security research, and making media accessible for persons with disabilities.

The Copyright Office runs a rulemaking process to provide the public with an opportunity to propose and comment on possible exemptions. NTIA works diligently to analyze the record generated during this rulemaking and offer the Copyright Office recommendations that support the digital economy and the right to engage in non-infringing activities.

The Eighth Triennial Rulemaking was conducted against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants noted the barriers faced by educators using videos in virtual classrooms, researchers who require access to works undergoing preservation at libraries, archives, and museums, and everyday Americans who want to repair their own products. In these and other situations, NTIA supported exemptions that maximized relief to Americans.

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Internet Policy

NTIA Letter on Recommendations for DMCA Exemptions

October 28, 2021

NTIA letter to the Register of Copyrights continuing the consultative process required by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). The Copyright Office’s Federal Register Notice containing the Librarian’s Determination and Final Rule can be found at http://copyright.gov/1201/2021.

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Internet Policy

Remarks of Acting Assistant Secretary Remaley at Mobile World Congress Los Angeles

Thank you. It’s wonderful to be back at MWC, and to be with all of you in person. We meet this week on the cusp of an historic opportunity. The President has set a goal of connecting all Americans to high-speed, affordable Internet, and the Senate agreed, passing a bipartisan bill to invest $65 billion in broadband. NTIA supports the President’s call to connect every American, and we stand ready to do everything we can to meet that goal.

Read more about Remarks of Acting Assistant Secretary Remaley at Mobile World Congress Los Angeles

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