The Freedom Online Coalition

The Freedom Online Coalition (FOC) is a group of 38 countries  devoted to protecting human rights online. The FOC promotes Internet freedom via diplomatic coordination and multistakeholder engagement. The FOC Advisory Network , made up of non-governmental leaders in civil society and the private sector, engages with FOC governments, fostering regular dialogue between governments and members of civil society, academia, and the private sector.

The United States is pleased to Chair the FOC in 2023 and is prioritizing four key areas under our Chairship: protecting and promoting fundamental freedoms, countering growing digital authoritarianism and the misuse of digital technologies, advancing norms, principles, and safeguards for artificial intelligence, and strengthening digital inclusion.

On September 20, 2023, on the sidelines of the United Nations’ General Assembly (UNGA), the U.S. Department of State’s Bureaus of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) and Cyberspace and Digital Policy (CDP) hosted a Ministerial meeting with FOC member countries and other key leaders on global technology policy, “Advancing the 2030 Agenda through Inclusive and Rights-Respecting Digital Policy.” Secretary of State Blinken delivered keynote remarks, and Foreign and Digital Ministers discussed issues of connectivity, access, inclusion, and technology as an enabler of rights; their full statements are available here.

Relevant Links

• Remarks: Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the Advancing the 2023 Agenda through Inclusive and Rights-Respecting Digital Policy Event
• Media Note: The United States Convenes Country Representatives and Other Stakeholders to Promote Inclusive and Rights-Respecting Digital Policy
• Event Recording: Advancing the 2030 Agenda through Inclusive and Rights-Respecting Digital Policy