NTIA’s Strickling on Economic and Social Benefits of an Open Internet

At the National Telecommunications & Information Administration, we are focused on ensuring that the Internet remains an open engine for economic growth, innovation, and free speech. In the United States, we have seen first-hand how the open Internet is helping our economy and society. It has created a dynamic and growing digital economy that is producing jobs across the income spectrum. It has transformed how we look for jobs, learn, and socialize. But the open Internet also presents significant challenges.

The growth of sophisticated malware and other cybersecurity threats, the need to protect the privacy of Internet users and the mounting online theft of intellectual property online have challenged governments’ ability to balance these important interests with the equally important need for openness. Governments are increasingly feeling compelled to do something they see as meaningful -- if not outright drastic -- to protect their citizens and their businesses from these threats. As such, we stand ready to assist the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development with this important work. Promoting and preserving an open Internet is a top priority for the Commerce Department, as evidenced by our broad representation at this workshop.