Policy

US Cyber Diplomat Calls for Bolstering American Advantage in Global Tech Policy 

The head of the State Department’s Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy said that a more prominent U.S. focus on tech policy necessitates greater international engagement.

Artificial Intelligence

U.S. Officially Leads the Freedom Online Coalition for the First Time

The U.S. will helm the chairship position at the Freedom Online Coalition, focusing on promoting digital liberties and enforcing AI standards and safeguards.

Policy

US and UK Hold First Comprehensive Dialogue on Technology and Data

The nations identified items around data; critical and emerging technologies; and secure and resilient digital infrastructure to address in 2023.

Emerging Tech

State Department Creates First Office Devoted to Emerging Technology Diplomacy

The Office of the Special Envoy for Critical and Emerging Technology will facilitate strategic partnerships to develop and regulate innovative tech.

Policy

State Department Seeks Private Sector Collab on Space Infrastructure and Markets

The U.S. government is continuing its regulatory efforts of outer space’s emerging usages.

Artificial Intelligence

Standards Development a ‘Critical’ Issue for US-EU Trade and Tech Council

The bilateral group’s agenda heading into 2023 will include emerging technologies like quantum computing and artificial intelligence, State Department Undersecretary Jose Fernandez said.

Digital Government

State Department unveils $10B enterprise IT services solicitation

The contract known as "Evolve" seeks technology modernization services in support of diplomatic goals.

Cybersecurity

NATO Allies Double Down on Cybersecurity in Warfighting Ops

U.S. and Italian officials convened the 2022 Cyber Defence Pledge Conference, focused on supporting Ukraine and investing in new technology for all member nations.

Emerging Tech

US and Switzerland Enter Quantum Partnership

The State Department confirmed U.S. participation in another bilateral partnership focused on technological innovation.

Policy

U.S. Imposes Semiconductor and Aviation Tech Sanctions on Russia

The sanctions follow international concern over unmanned aerial vehicles tech found amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Policy

US Focused on ‘Interoperable’ over Identical in Transatlantic Tech Framework

Officials at the State Department intend to reduce regulatory differences to promote market access and national security within both the EU and U.S.

Emerging Tech

Aligning With Allies on Tech Innovation is Critical to National Security, Top Diplomat Says

During a Hoover Institution event, Secretary of State Antony Blinken called working to establish global technology standards “a part of our national interest and our strength around the world.”

Policy

State Department Confirms US-UK Tech Data Dialogue

The federal government launched another technology-focused alliance with European partners, following Biden’s executive order. 

Digital Government

State Department Names DOD Official as New CIO

Kelly Fletcher will serve as the new chief information officer for the Department of State after her tenure at the Department of Defense.

Modernization

State Department Awards Verizon $1.58B IT Modernization Contract

The contract tasks Verizon with modernizing communications infrastructure and providing IT services to the agency’s embassies and other important locations.

Emerging Tech

State Department Permitting Communications Technology Into Iran

The U.S. State Department expanded exports to grant Iranian citizens better access to secure communications.

Cybersecurity

Whole-of-Government Effort Targets Iranian Hackers

An unsealed indictment from the Department of Justice accompanied  sanctions and an advisory with international allies warning against government-linked Iranian hackers.

Modernization

CHIPS Act is a 'Once in a Generation Investment' to Build Partnerships, Officials Say

Secretaries Blinken and Raimondo detailed the bilateral agreements underway to support U.S. semiconductor leadership.

Digital Government

5G and Cloud Can Work Together to Improve Government Operations, Experts Say

Government and private sector officials explained how 5G can be an “underlayment” for scale and speed.

Digital Government

State Department Makes Inroads for Public-Private Tech Partnerships at Home

The agency’s Official for Cyberspace and Digital Policy traveled to San Francisco to foster stronger collaboration between Silicon Valley and Capitol Hill.