CDP Policy Units

International Cyberspace Security (ICS)

The International Cyberspace Security team leads the Department’s efforts to promote cyberspace stability and security and protect U.S. national security interests in cyberspace.  We lead diplomatic engagement on international cyberspace security in multilateral, regional, and bilateral forums and work with like-minded states to execute coordinated responses to malicious cyber activity.  We counter adversaries in cyberspace by working with interagency and international partners, coordinate the Department’s participation in foreign policy deliberations concerning cyber operations, and leverage foreign assistance funding to build cybersecurity capacity globally.  We also plan and execute whole-of-government cybersecurity dialogues with international partners and advance cyber policy priorities in regional organizations.

International Information and Communications Policy (ICP)

The International Information and Communications Policy team enables a connected, innovative, and secure digital economy that reflects the United States’ collective interests and values.  We promote competitive and secure networks, including 5G, and protect telecom services and infrastructure through licensing, sanctions enforcement, and supply chain security. We support a multi-stakeholder approach to Internet governance, international technical standards that promote an innovative digital economy, and the trustworthy use of related digital technologies.  We encourage cross-border data flows that allow for the protection of privacy and personal data.  ICP partners with U.S. businesses, civil society, and foreign governments and promotes U.S. leadership on digital issues in multilateral institutions to achieve these goals.

Digital Freedom (DFU)

The Digital Freedom Team leads the coordination of the Department’s work at the nexus of privacy, security, human rights, and civic engagement, complementing a long legacy of U.S. global leadership in promoting Internet Freedom. We work with partners to address online safety issues and defend against efforts to legitimize and adopt repressive and authoritarian practices in cyberspace. We ensure that values considerations are integrated into cyberspace and digital policies and advance a vision for digital technologies that supports enduring U.S. values.

Strategic Planning and Communications Unit (SPC)

This office is responsible for the Bureau’s strategic planning, public diplomacy, media, legislative affairs activities, and manages its foreign assistance programs via the Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership (DCCP).

U.S. Department of State

The Lessons of 1989: Freedom and Our Future