Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy

Today marks the one-year anniversary of the Tallinn Mechanism - a groundbreaking coalition coordinating civilian cybersecurity support for Ukraine. In just one year, we've accumulated over $210 million in foreign assistance to strengthen Ukraine's cyber resilience against Russian’s repeated and reckless malicious cyber activity. As Russia's brutal invasion continues, our coalition - comprising the United States, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom - demonstrates that unified action is critical in countering cyber threats. The recent targeting of Ukrainian state registries underscores the importance of this support. Our commitment extends beyond immediate defense. We're actively working to deter malicious activity in cyberspace through network defense and thwarting adversary malicious activity aimed to undermine global cyberspace stability. The incorporation of private sector and non-governmental actors provides a comparative advantage driving innovative solutions. As we mark this one-year anniversary, we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting Ukraine in deterring malicious cyber activity. Together, we're building a more secure digital future while demonstrating the power of international cooperation in facing 21st-century security challenges. Read our press release below 👇 https://lnkd.in/ewwgXq4S

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, meaningful dialogue and cooperation are vital. The discussions at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) are pivotal for creating digital policies and approaches that support innovation while safeguarding human rights. The United States supports this multi-stakeholder approach to Internet governance that builds a broad and inclusive tent, ensuring meaningful global connectivity is safe, secure, interoperable, and rights-respecting. This year’s IGF was an opportunity to listen to the views and priorities of other stakeholders from around the world and advance U.S. priorities and values on a broad range of digital policy issues. With thanks to our partners across the U.S. Government Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), we supported discussions at IGF this year on: countering ransomware, digital solidarity, multilingualism, child online safety, Internet freedom, and more. Press Statement ➡: https://lnkd.in/ewySq94q

Last week, Ambassador Nathaniel Fick traveled to Kyiv alongside DoD Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) Director Doug Beck to strengthen U.S.-Ukraine collaboration on cyber defense and digital resilience. Ukraine has demonstrated remarkable innovation in its defense-tech sector, turning battlefield lessons into cutting-edge solutions that benefit both nations. During his visit, Ambassador Fick engaged with Ukraine’s tech leaders, including Deputy Prime Mininster Mykhailo Fedorov and Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov to discuss opportunities for deeper collaboration in technology and innovation. From digitization to drones, Ukraine is setting a global standard in leveraging technology for resilience and security. U.S. private sector support for this innovation provides ongoing investments that help grow Ukraine’s vibrant tech ecosystem. Ukraine’s integration of technology into its defense strategy showcases a model of adaptability and creativity. The U.S. has long supported Ukraine’s digital and cyber capabilities for over a decade to advance our shared goals in cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and technological innovation. Together, we’re building a secure and resilient future for both our nations.

DIU was honored to join Ambassador Nathaniel Fick and @USAmbKyiv Bridget Brink in Kyiv this past week, spending time with our Ukrainian partners to discuss cyber, emerging tech innovation, and lessons learned from their frontlines. In addition to meeting with our Ukrainian government partners, the team had a chance to visit with a broad cross section of the brilliant and dedicated Ukrainian patriots working hard to bring the best tech to bear in the fight.   "We are proud to work closely with our partners in Ukraine, and of their leadership and ingenuity in hardware, software and digital innovation," said Doug Beck, Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) director. "We look forward to exploring future opportunities to contribute to their heroic efforts, and to learning from their hard-won experience as we in the U.S. apply commercially derived technology with the focus, speed, and scale required for strategic impact globally.”   U.S. Department of State Mykhailo Fedorov Valeriya Ionan Anton Demokhin RUSTEM UMEROV Alexander Kamyshin BRAVE1

December 5 marked a significant step forward for telecommunications. The United States presented $1.7 million in Open RAN test bed equipment to CPQD, a leading research and development hub. This equipment will allow CPQD to conduct field tests on supplier-provided equipment, support industry adoption of Open RAN, and contribute alongside other public and private sector actors. This milestone underscores our shared commitment with Brazil to innovation and supplier diversity in the telecommunications sector. Open RAN enables mobile network operators to use equipment from multiple vendors, fostering a flexible, resilient, and competitive ecosystem. CPQD will leverage this equipment to conduct field tests, support Open RAN adoption, and help establish a robust regulatory framework in Brazil. This initiative has the power to foster a diverse supplier ecosystem, and drive 5G innovation in Brazil. This initiative is a testament to the shared vision of the U.S. and Brazil for innovation and diversity in telecom. Together, we’re fostering a dynamic telecom landscape that drives innovation, enhances competition, and promotes secure, next-generation technologies. 📖 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gACBEdFm

The governments of Brazil and the United States are investing in next generation telecommunications network architecture and OpenRAN systems. This past week, the Brazil Open RAN Regional Symposium marked a new level of collaboration, bringing together industry leaders, academia, and governments to discuss how to advance innovative solutions and commercial deployments to bridge the digital divide. Open RAN is an open approach to telecommunications networks, enabling greater supplier diversity, cost reduction, and improved connectivity. 🌍📡 Co-organized by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Commercial Law Development Program, the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Brazil, and Brazilian partners – the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, the Ministry of Telecommunications, and CPQD – the event featured global perspectives from Brazil, the U.S., Japan, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Key topics included supplier diversity, technical innovation, and rural connectivity. A major highlight was the Department of State’s Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy’s contribution of over $1.7 million in testing equipment to CPQD, and a new partnership between the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) and CPQD, marking an important milestone in the U.S.-Brazil partnership to drive research and innovation in telecommunications. #OpenRAN #Telecom #Innovation #Connectivity

The 2024 Keith J. Krach Tech Diplomacy Award has been announced, honoring remarkable contributions to technology diplomacy that uphold democratic values, strengthen U.S. national and economic security, and champion trusted technology worldwide. This prestigious recognition celebrates individuals who have advanced cyberspace, digital, and emerging technology policy. Congratulations to this year’s three #TechDiplomacy awardees: 🏅Elizabeth Hosinski: For her dedication to building strong international coalitions and finding common ground among diverse partners to achieve shared goals. 🏅Allison Schwier: For leading important initiatives that boosted the Department’s ability to work on science and technology, opening doors for greater global collaboration. 🏅 Protus Shitero: For his work elevating tech diplomacy as a national security imperative and his efforts to advance digital economy initiatives. While this post highlights three awardees, we are proud to recognize several runners-up as well, celebrating multiple incredible individuals who embody the spirit of tech diplomacy. 👏 Congratulations to all the winners! Your dedication inspires us to build a secure, inclusive, and resilient digital future.

Earlier this week, São Paulo became a hub of innovation and collaboration, bringing together 120 participants from across the Americas and beyond for the regional symposium on Open Radio Access Networks (Open RAN). 🌍📡 Co-hosted by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, the Embassy in Brasília, and Brazilian partners including the Ministry of Communications, ANATEL, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, and CPQD, the symposium showcased Open RAN’s potential to transform telecommunications by increasing supplier diversity and operator choice, promoting innovation and lowering barriers to entry for new market entrants. Trustworthy Open RAN suppliers offering secure and trusted ways to communicate while supporting a vibrant and diverse telecom ecosystem. In her opening remarks, U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Kimberly Kelly highlighted the power of partnerships in shaping our shared digital future, noting, “The symposium offers a unique opportunity to hear from government and industry experts on the issues shaping the future of our digital economy.” Panels featured perspectives from Brazil, the U.S., Japan, Finland, and the U.K., exploring supplier diversity, technical innovation, and rural connectivity, as well as sharing how Open RAN can improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and expand access. Regional voices from Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Peru. The collaboration didn’t stop there—on December 5, participants visited CPQD’s Open RAN Competence Center in Campinas to see cutting-edge research in action. This visit also marked the U.S. government’s donation transfer of over $1.7 million in test bed equipment to CPQD, reinforcing the U.S.-Brazil partnership in driving telecommunications innovation forward.

AI is a global opportunity that requires global cooperation. At the Global Partnership on AI Summit in Belgrade, Ambassador Steve Lang reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to fostering a secure and trustworthy AI ecosystem in collaboration with Serbia, the EU, and GPAI’s 43 other members. As a founding GPAI member, the U.S. supports multi-stakeholder collaboration across governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector. Serbia’s leadership in hosting this important summit underscores its critical role in science, technology, and AI governance. With over $1 billion in U.S. private investment in Serbia’s IT sector, our partnership is creating jobs, facilitating exports, and paving the way for the next generation of trusted infrastructure. From biotech to AI, the United States is proud to be a trusted ally in Serbia’s technological future. 🤝 The U.S. and Serbia share a common vision: using AI for inclusive development and addressing global challenges together. We are excited to build on this partnership to advance innovation and economic prosperity in the region.

We are proud to be facilitating the 8th cohort of the Women in International Security and Cyberspace (WiC) Fellowship to the 9th #UNCyberOEWG, on security of and in the use of ICTs. 47 fellows from across the globe join key UN cyber negotiations to share their perspectives, deliver national statements and collaborate to create a safer, more inclusive cyberspace for all.💻 The #GFCEWiC Fellowship is jointly organized and sponsored by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Global Affairs Canada | Affaires mondiales Canada, the Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken Netherlands, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom, the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy of the United States and Auswärtiges Amt (Federal Foreign Office) Germany. 💬 Stay tuned to follow the journey of our WiC fellows this week at the #UNCyberOEWG and join the conversation with #WomenInCyber #GFCEWiC! #CyberSecurity #WomenInSecurity #CyberDiplomacy #GlobalLeadership