International internet Policy Priorities, 26036-26038 [2018-12075]

Download as PDF 26036 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 108 / Tuesday, June 5, 2018 / Notices Table 15 above details the number of individuals that could be exposed to received noise levels that could cause TTS or Level B harassment for the work at the project site relative to the total stock abundance. The numbers of animals authorized to be taken for all species will be considered small relative to the relevant stocks or populations even if each estimated instance of take occurred to a new individual. The total percent of the population (if each instance was a separate individual) for which take is requested is less than eight percent for all stocks (Table 15). Based on the analysis contained herein of the activity (including the mitigation and monitoring measures) and the anticipated take of marine mammals, NMFS finds that small numbers of marine mammals will be taken relative to the population size of the affected species or stocks. Unmitigable Adverse Impact Analysis and Determination There are no relevant subsistence uses of the affected marine mammal stocks or species implicated by this action. Therefore, NMFS has determined that the total taking of affected species or stocks will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of such species or stocks for taking for subsistence purposes. Endangered Species Act (ESA) amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1 Section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) requires that each Federal agency insure that any action it authorizes, funds, or carries out is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of designated critical habitat. To ensure ESA compliance for the issuance of IHAs, NMFS consults internally, in this case with the West Coast Region Protected Resources Division Office, whenever we propose to authorize take for endangered or threatened species. No incidental take of ESA-listed species is authorized or expected to result from this activity. Therefore, NMFS has determined that consultation under Section 7 of the ESA is not required for this action. Authorization NMFS has issued an IHA to Caltrans for the harassment of small numbers of marine mammals incidental to the dismantling and reuse of the original East Span of the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge in the San Francisco Bay provided the previously mentioned VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:19 Jun 04, 2018 Jkt 241001 mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements. Dated: May 31, 2018. Donna S. Wieting, Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2018–12043 Filed 6–4–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Telecommunications and Information Administration [Docket No. 180124068–8068–01] RIN 0660–XC041 International internet Policy Priorities National Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice of inquiry. AGENCY: Recognizing the vital importance of the internet and digital communications to U.S. innovation, prosperity, education, and civic and cultural life, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce has made it a top priority to encourage growth and innovation for the internet and internetenabled economy. Towards that end, NTIA is seeking comments and recommendations from all interested stakeholders on its international internet policy priorities for 2018 and beyond. These comments will help inform NTIA to identify priority issues and help NTIA effectively leverage its resources and expertise to address those issues. DATES: Comments are due on or before 5 p.m. Eastern Time on July 2, 2018. ADDRESSES: Written comments may be submitted by email to iipp2018@ ntia.doc.gov. Comments submitted by email should be machine-readable and should not be copy-protected. Written comments also may be submitted by mail to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Room 4725, Attn: Fiona Alexander, Washington, DC 20230. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Fiona Alexander, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Room 4706, Washington, DC 20230; telephone (202) 482–1866; email falexander@ntia.doc.gov. Please direct media inquiries to NTIA’s Office of SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Public Affairs, (202) 482–7002, or at press@ntia.doc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background: Within the U.S. Department of Commerce, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is the Executive Branch agency responsible for advising the President on telecommunications and information policy.1 NTIA was established in 1978 in response to the growing national consensus that ‘‘telecommunications and information are vital to the public welfare, national security, and competitiveness of the United States,’’ and that, ‘‘rapid technological advances being made in the telecommunications and information fields make it imperative that the United States maintain effective national and international policies and programs capable of taking advantage of continued advancements.’’ 2 In the 40 years since its inception, NTIA has made growth and innovation in communications technologies—most recently internet communications—a cornerstone of its mission. The Administration’s 2017 National Security Strategy reaffirmed that ‘‘[t]he flow of data and an open, interoperable internet are inseparable from the success of the U.S. economy,’’ and stated unequivocally that, ‘‘the United States will advocate for open, interoperable communications, with minimal barriers to the global exchange of information and services.’’ 3 NTIA’s Office of International Affairs: The Office of International Affairs (OIA) leads NTIA’s overseas work. It plays a central role in the formulation of the U.S. Government’s international information and communications technology policies, particularly with respect to the internet and the internetenabled economy. OIA’s diverse policymaking efforts include protecting and promoting an open and interoperable internet, advocating for the free flow of information, and strengthening the global marketplace for American digital products and services. OIA advances these and related priorities at such global venues as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the internet Governance Forum (IGF), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, the Organization of American States (OAS) the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), 1 47 U.S.C. 902(b)(2)(D). U.S.C. 901(b)(1–6). 3 Executive Office of the President, The National Security Strategy of the United States of America (Dec. 2017), https://www.whitehouse.gov/wpcontent/uploads/2017/12/NSS-Final-12-18-20170905.pdf. 2 47 E:\FR\FM\05JNN1.SGM 05JNN1 amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 108 / Tuesday, June 5, 2018 / Notices the G7 and G20 forums, as well as through international trade negotiations and bilateral and multilateral dialogues. In addition, OIA leads NTIA’s role as the expert Executive Branch agency responsible for issues related to the internet’s Domain Name System (DNS). In this regard, OIA oversees legal agreements related to the management of the .us and .edu top-level domain names, and represents the U.S. Government in its interactions with the internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the notfor-profit corporation that coordinates the DNS, including serving as the official U.S. representative to the Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC).4 Through this Notice, NTIA is soliciting comments and recommendations from stakeholders on its international internet policy priorities. These comments will help NTIA and the U.S. Government identify the most important issues facing the internet globally. They will also help NTIA leverage its resources and policy expertise most effectively to respond to stakeholders’ priorities and interests. Comments are welcomed from all interested stakeholders—including the private sector, the technical community, academia, government, civil society, and interested individuals. For the purposes of this notice of inquiry, OIA has organized questions into four broad categories: (1) The free flow of information and jurisdiction; (2) the multistakeholder approach to internet governance; (3) privacy and security; and (4) emerging technologies and trends. NTIA seeks public input on any and/or all of these four categories. The Free Flow of Information and Jurisdiction: NTIA tracks and responds to global developments pertaining to free flow of information and internetrelated jurisdictional issues. The free flow of information is critical not only to the protection of free speech online, but to the continued growth of the global economy. Certain governments, however, are increasingly imposing restrictions on the free movement of data. These restrictions may be put in place for legitimate reasons—such as concerns about privacy, taxation, and law enforcement access to data—but they are often undertaken for far less valid reasons, such as domestic surveillance and protectionism. In either case, restrictions on the free flow of information are jeopardizing the economic, social, and educational opportunities provided by the internet. 4 More information about ICANN and the GAC are available on ICANN’s website at www.icann.org. VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:19 Jun 04, 2018 Jkt 241001 Perhaps even more importantly, the free flow of information on the internet enables basic human rights, such as the freedom of expression. Yet here there is similarly an emerging trend of repressive governments restricting access to information that they deem to be politically or socially objectionable. This is pursued through various means, such as by blocking certain applications, impeding the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), or through the total shutdown of internet communications within national territories. These actions often violate internet users’ rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. Relatedly, there is an emerging trend of national courts issuing judgments on internet-related court cases that risk forcing American companies to globally remove information hosted online. Problematically, what may be censored information in one country could be protected speech in other countries, including the United States. Such jurisdictional disputes illustrate the tension between a global, borderless internet and national sovereignty. NTIA is seeking input from all stakeholders on potential responses to these, and related, jurisdictional challenges. Multistakeholder Approach to internet Governance: NTIA has strongly advocated for the multistakeholder approach to internet governance and policy development. NTIA’s advocacy of the multistakeholder approach is reflected in its support of organizations and forums utilizing the approach, including ICANN, the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), Regional Internet Registries (RIRs), the IGF, and others. In addition to these bodies and forums, NTIA strives to build support for the approach within multilateral institutions, such as the ITU, and through bilateral engagement. One of NTIA’s primary initiatives in the area of multistakeholder internet governance was the privatization of the management of the DNS. This was completed in October 2016 when the contract between NTIA and ICANN for the performance of the Internet Assigned Names and Numbers (IANA) functions expired.5 NTIA seeks public input from all stakeholders on what U.S. priorities should be now within ICANN and broader DNS policy. Another area of emphasis for NTIA has been the promotion of the IGF, which serves as a global platform for multistakeholder dialogues on internet5 The IANA functions include the coordination and allocation of domain names, internet protocol and autonomous system numbers, and other internet protocol resources. PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 26037 related public policy issues. Unlike other United Nations processes, the IGF program is organized by the multistakeholder community, not by governments alone. NTIA has been involved in the IGF since its inception, having served as a lead negotiator at the UN World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), as well as serving a member of the IGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group and its intercessional work.6 NTIA seeks public input from all stakeholders on opportunities for IGF improvement. Privacy and Security: NTIA, as an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, approaches cybersecurity from a commercial perspective. This means that NTIA’s policy work is grounded in the belief that cybersecurity risks should be viewed not exclusively as a national security threat, but as a threat to economic growth and innovation. As the 2017 National Security Strategy notes, a ‘‘strong, defensible cyber infrastructure fosters economic growth, protects our liberties, and advances our national security.’’ 7 Internationally, OIA approaches cybersecurity with an understanding that the cyber threat is a global problem that requires international coordination. Accordingly, OIA has worked within the OECD, APEC, the IGF, and elsewhere, to promote strong, industryled cybersecurity risk-management practices.8 In the area of privacy and data protection, NTIA has worked overseas to advocate for smart and nondiscriminatory privacy rules. While different countries are going to take different approaches to protecting citizens’ privacy, NTIA argues that these differences need not impede global commerce. NTIA works with colleagues from the International Trade Administration (ITA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to advance interoperable privacy regimes and mechanisms, such as the APEC Cross6 The IGF organizes various types of Intercessional Work during the year, the outputs from which are discussed during the event. Best Practice Forums, Dynamic Coalitions, and National and Regional Initiatives, amongst other efforts, constitute the IGF’s Intercessional Work. Further information is available at: https://intgovforum.org/ multilingual/content/intercessional-work. 7 2017 National Security Strategy, supra n. 4. 8 For example, at the IGF2017, OIA engaged in an Open Forum session on cybersecurity and multistakeholder processes. The transcript and video from this meeting is available at https:// www.intgovforum.org/multilingual/content/igf2017-day-3-room-ix-of70-cybersecurity-20leveraging-the-multistakeholder-model-to. E:\FR\FM\05JNN1.SGM 05JNN1 26038 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 108 / Tuesday, June 5, 2018 / Notices Border Rules (CBPRs) and the E.U.-U.S. Privacy Shield Arrangement.9 Emerging Technologies and Trends: NTIA also advocates for policies that enable entrepreneurs and innovators to take risks and to find global markets for new digital products and services. This advocacy often draws NTIA into discussions about access to broadband internet service, digital literacy, intellectual property, and technological standardization. Over the last decade, these discussions have intensified, as many countries have invested greater resources into developing national innovation strategies, and have increasingly brought those ideas into international forums, such as APEC and the OECD. Over the coming years, these discussions will increasingly focus on issues such as the economic and social impacts of artificial intelligence, the workforce changes brought on by automation and new internet-enabled business models, and the growth of blockchain applications, to name a few. NTIA welcomes comments on how OIA should participate in international discussions of these issues, as well as other issues related to emerging technologies and trends. Request for Comments Instructions for Commenters: NTIA invites comments on the full range of questions presented by this Notice, including issues that are not specifically raised. Commenters are encouraged to address any or all of the following questions. Comments that contain references to specific court cases, studies, and/or research should include copies of the referenced materials with the submitted comments. Commenters should include the name of the person or organization filing the comment, as well as a page number on each page of their submissions. All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted on the NTIA website, https://www.ntia.doc. gov/, without change. All personal identifying information (for example, name or address) voluntarily submitted by the commenter may be publicly accessible. Do not submit confidential business information or otherwise sensitive or protected information. amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1 9 See Department of Commerce, Fact Sheet: Overview of the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield Framework (Feb. 29, 2106), https://www.commerce.gov/news/ fact-sheets/2016/02/fact-sheet-overview-eu-usprivacy-shield-framework; see also Department of Commerce, Press Release, Joint Press Statement from Secretary Ross and Commissioner Jourova on the Privacy Shield Review (Sept. 20, 2017), https:// www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/09/ joint-press-statement-secretary-ross-andcommissioner-jourova-privacy. VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:19 Jun 04, 2018 Jkt 241001 I. The Free Flow of Information and Jurisdiction A. What are the challenges to the free flow of information online? B. Which foreign laws and policies restrict the free flow of information online? What is the impact on U.S. companies and users in general? C. Have courts in other countries issued internet-related judgments that apply national laws to the global internet? What have been the practical effects on U.S. companies of such judgements? What have the effects been on users? D. What are the challenges to freedom of expression online? E. What should be the role of all stakeholders globally—governments, companies, technical experts, civil society and end users—in ensuring free expression online? F. What role can NTIA play in helping to reduce restrictions on the free flow of information over the internet and ensuring free expression online? G. In which international organizations or venues might NTIA most effectively advocate for the free flow of information and freedom of expression? What specific actions should NTIA and the U.S. Government take? H. How might NTIA better assist with jurisdictional challenges on the internet? II. Multistakeholder Approach to Internet Governance A. Does the multistakeholder approach continue to support an environment for the internet to grow and thrive? If so, why? If not, why not? B. Are there public policy areas in which the multistakeholder approach works best? If yes, what are those areas and why? Are there areas in which the multistakeholder approach does not work effectively? If there are, what are those areas and why? C. Are the existing accountability structures within multistakeholder internet governance sufficient? If not, why not? What improvements can be made? D. Should the IANA Stewardship Transition be unwound? If yes, why and how? If not, why not? E. What should be NTIA’s priorities within ICANN and the GAC? F. Are there any other DNS related activities NTIA should pursue? If yes, please describe. G. Are there barriers to engagement at the IGF? If so, how can we lower these barriers? H. Are there improvements that can be made to the IGF’s structure, PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 organization, planning processes, or intercessional work programs? If so, what are they? I. What, if any, action can NTIA take to help raise awareness about the IGF and foster stakeholder engagement? J. What role should multilateral organizations play in internet governance? III. Privacy and Security A. In what ways are cybersecurity threats harming international commerce? In what ways are the responses to those threats harming international commerce? B. Which international venues are the most appropriate to address questions of digital privacy? What privacy issues should NTIA prioritize in those international venues? IV. Emerging Technologies and Trends A. What emerging technologies and trends should be the focus of international policy discussions? Please provide specific examples. B. In which international venues should conversations about emerging technology and trends take place? Which international venues are the most effective? Which are the least effective? C. What are the current best practices for promoting innovation and investment for emerging technologies? Are these best practices universal, or are they dependent upon a country’s level of economic development? How should NTIA promote these best practices? For any response, commenters may wish to consider describing specific goals and actions that NTIA, the Department, or the U.S. Government in general, might take (on its own or in conjunction with the private sector) to achieve those goals; the benefits and costs associated with the action; whether the proposal is agency-specific or interagency; the rationale and evidence to support it; and the roles of other stakeholders. Dated: May 31, 2018. David J. Redl, Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information. [FR Doc. 2018–12075 Filed 6–4–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–60–P CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION [Docket No. CPSC–2018–0006] Draft Guidelines for Determining Age Appropriateness of Toys; Notice of Extension of Comment Period U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. AGENCY: E:\FR\FM\05JNN1.SGM 05JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 108 (Tuesday, June 5, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 26036-26038]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-12075]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Telecommunications and Information Administration

[Docket No. 180124068-8068-01]
RIN 0660-XC041


International internet Policy Priorities

AGENCY: National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 
U.S. Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of inquiry.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Recognizing the vital importance of the internet and digital 
communications to U.S. innovation, prosperity, education, and civic and 
cultural life, the National Telecommunications and Information 
Administration (NTIA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce has made it a 
top priority to encourage growth and innovation for the internet and 
internet-enabled economy. Towards that end, NTIA is seeking comments 
and recommendations from all interested stakeholders on its 
international internet policy priorities for 2018 and beyond. These 
comments will help inform NTIA to identify priority issues and help 
NTIA effectively leverage its resources and expertise to address those 
issues.

DATES: Comments are due on or before 5 p.m. Eastern Time on July 2, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: Written comments may be submitted by email to 
[email protected]. Comments submitted by email should be machine-
readable and should not be copy-protected. Written comments also may be 
submitted by mail to the National Telecommunications and Information 
Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue 
NW, Room 4725, Attn: Fiona Alexander, Washington, DC 20230.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Fiona Alexander, National 
Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of 
Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Room 4706, Washington, DC 20230; 
telephone (202) 482-1866; email [email protected]. Please direct 
media inquiries to NTIA's Office of Public Affairs, (202) 482-7002, or 
at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Background: Within the U.S. Department of Commerce, the National 
Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is the 
Executive Branch agency responsible for advising the President on 
telecommunications and information policy.\1\ NTIA was established in 
1978 in response to the growing national consensus that 
``telecommunications and information are vital to the public welfare, 
national security, and competitiveness of the United States,'' and 
that, ``rapid technological advances being made in the 
telecommunications and information fields make it imperative that the 
United States maintain effective national and international policies 
and programs capable of taking advantage of continued advancements.'' 
\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 47 U.S.C. 902(b)(2)(D).
    \2\ 47 U.S.C. 901(b)(1-6).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In the 40 years since its inception, NTIA has made growth and 
innovation in communications technologies--most recently internet 
communications--a cornerstone of its mission. The Administration's 2017 
National Security Strategy reaffirmed that ``[t]he flow of data and an 
open, interoperable internet are inseparable from the success of the 
U.S. economy,'' and stated unequivocally that, ``the United States will 
advocate for open, interoperable communications, with minimal barriers 
to the global exchange of information and services.'' \3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ Executive Office of the President, The National Security 
Strategy of the United States of America (Dec. 2017), https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/NSS-Final-12-18-2017-0905.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    NTIA's Office of International Affairs: The Office of International 
Affairs (OIA) leads NTIA's overseas work. It plays a central role in 
the formulation of the U.S. Government's international information and 
communications technology policies, particularly with respect to the 
internet and the internet-enabled economy. OIA's diverse policymaking 
efforts include protecting and promoting an open and interoperable 
internet, advocating for the free flow of information, and 
strengthening the global marketplace for American digital products and 
services.
    OIA advances these and related priorities at such global venues as 
the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the internet 
Governance Forum (IGF), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 
forum, the Organization of American States (OAS) the Organization for 
Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD),

[[Page 26037]]

the G7 and G20 forums, as well as through international trade 
negotiations and bilateral and multilateral dialogues. In addition, OIA 
leads NTIA's role as the expert Executive Branch agency responsible for 
issues related to the internet's Domain Name System (DNS). In this 
regard, OIA oversees legal agreements related to the management of the 
.us and .edu top-level domain names, and represents the U.S. Government 
in its interactions with the internet Corporation for Assigned Names 
and Numbers (ICANN), the not-for-profit corporation that coordinates 
the DNS, including serving as the official U.S. representative to the 
Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC).\4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ More information about ICANN and the GAC are available on 
ICANN's website at www.icann.org.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Through this Notice, NTIA is soliciting comments and 
recommendations from stakeholders on its international internet policy 
priorities. These comments will help NTIA and the U.S. Government 
identify the most important issues facing the internet globally. They 
will also help NTIA leverage its resources and policy expertise most 
effectively to respond to stakeholders' priorities and interests. 
Comments are welcomed from all interested stakeholders--including the 
private sector, the technical community, academia, government, civil 
society, and interested individuals.
    For the purposes of this notice of inquiry, OIA has organized 
questions into four broad categories: (1) The free flow of information 
and jurisdiction; (2) the multistakeholder approach to internet 
governance; (3) privacy and security; and (4) emerging technologies and 
trends. NTIA seeks public input on any and/or all of these four 
categories.
    The Free Flow of Information and Jurisdiction: NTIA tracks and 
responds to global developments pertaining to free flow of information 
and internet-related jurisdictional issues. The free flow of 
information is critical not only to the protection of free speech 
online, but to the continued growth of the global economy. Certain 
governments, however, are increasingly imposing restrictions on the 
free movement of data. These restrictions may be put in place for 
legitimate reasons--such as concerns about privacy, taxation, and law 
enforcement access to data--but they are often undertaken for far less 
valid reasons, such as domestic surveillance and protectionism. In 
either case, restrictions on the free flow of information are 
jeopardizing the economic, social, and educational opportunities 
provided by the internet.
    Perhaps even more importantly, the free flow of information on the 
internet enables basic human rights, such as the freedom of expression. 
Yet here there is similarly an emerging trend of repressive governments 
restricting access to information that they deem to be politically or 
socially objectionable. This is pursued through various means, such as 
by blocking certain applications, impeding the use of Virtual Private 
Networks (VPNs), or through the total shutdown of internet 
communications within national territories. These actions often violate 
internet users' rights to freedom of expression, association, and 
peaceful assembly.
    Relatedly, there is an emerging trend of national courts issuing 
judgments on internet-related court cases that risk forcing American 
companies to globally remove information hosted online. 
Problematically, what may be censored information in one country could 
be protected speech in other countries, including the United States. 
Such jurisdictional disputes illustrate the tension between a global, 
borderless internet and national sovereignty. NTIA is seeking input 
from all stakeholders on potential responses to these, and related, 
jurisdictional challenges.
    Multistakeholder Approach to internet Governance: NTIA has strongly 
advocated for the multistakeholder approach to internet governance and 
policy development. NTIA's advocacy of the multistakeholder approach is 
reflected in its support of organizations and forums utilizing the 
approach, including ICANN, the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), 
Regional Internet Registries (RIRs), the IGF, and others. In addition 
to these bodies and forums, NTIA strives to build support for the 
approach within multilateral institutions, such as the ITU, and through 
bilateral engagement.
    One of NTIA's primary initiatives in the area of multistakeholder 
internet governance was the privatization of the management of the DNS. 
This was completed in October 2016 when the contract between NTIA and 
ICANN for the performance of the Internet Assigned Names and Numbers 
(IANA) functions expired.\5\ NTIA seeks public input from all 
stakeholders on what U.S. priorities should be now within ICANN and 
broader DNS policy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ The IANA functions include the coordination and allocation 
of domain names, internet protocol and autonomous system numbers, 
and other internet protocol resources.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Another area of emphasis for NTIA has been the promotion of the 
IGF, which serves as a global platform for multistakeholder dialogues 
on internet-related public policy issues. Unlike other United Nations 
processes, the IGF program is organized by the multistakeholder 
community, not by governments alone. NTIA has been involved in the IGF 
since its inception, having served as a lead negotiator at the UN World 
Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), as well as serving a member 
of the IGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group and its intercessional 
work.\6\ NTIA seeks public input from all stakeholders on opportunities 
for IGF improvement.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ The IGF organizes various types of Intercessional Work 
during the year, the outputs from which are discussed during the 
event. Best Practice Forums, Dynamic Coalitions, and National and 
Regional Initiatives, amongst other efforts, constitute the IGF's 
Intercessional Work. Further information is available at: https://intgovforum.org/multilingual/content/intercessional-work.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Privacy and Security: NTIA, as an agency within the U.S. Department 
of Commerce, approaches cybersecurity from a commercial perspective. 
This means that NTIA's policy work is grounded in the belief that 
cybersecurity risks should be viewed not exclusively as a national 
security threat, but as a threat to economic growth and innovation. As 
the 2017 National Security Strategy notes, a ``strong, defensible cyber 
infrastructure fosters economic growth, protects our liberties, and 
advances our national security.'' \7\ Internationally, OIA approaches 
cybersecurity with an understanding that the cyber threat is a global 
problem that requires international coordination. Accordingly, OIA has 
worked within the OECD, APEC, the IGF, and elsewhere, to promote 
strong, industry-led cybersecurity risk-management practices.\8\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ 2017 National Security Strategy, supra n. 4.
    \8\ For example, at the IGF2017, OIA engaged in an Open Forum 
session on cybersecurity and multistakeholder processes. The 
transcript and video from this meeting is available at https://www.intgovforum.org/multilingual/content/igf-2017-day-3-room-ix-of70-cybersecurity-20-leveraging-the-multistakeholder-model-to.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In the area of privacy and data protection, NTIA has worked 
overseas to advocate for smart and non-discriminatory privacy rules. 
While different countries are going to take different approaches to 
protecting citizens' privacy, NTIA argues that these differences need 
not impede global commerce. NTIA works with colleagues from the 
International Trade Administration (ITA) and the Federal Trade 
Commission (FTC) to advance interoperable privacy regimes and 
mechanisms, such as the APEC Cross-

[[Page 26038]]

Border Rules (CBPRs) and the E.U.-U.S. Privacy Shield Arrangement.\9\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ See Department of Commerce, Fact Sheet: Overview of the EU-
U.S. Privacy Shield Framework (Feb. 29, 2106), https://www.commerce.gov/news/fact-sheets/2016/02/fact-sheet-overview-eu-us-privacy-shield-framework; see also Department of Commerce, Press 
Release, Joint Press Statement from Secretary Ross and Commissioner 
Jourova on the Privacy Shield Review (Sept. 20, 2017), https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/09/joint-press-statement-secretary-ross-and-commissioner-jourova-privacy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Emerging Technologies and Trends: NTIA also advocates for policies 
that enable entrepreneurs and innovators to take risks and to find 
global markets for new digital products and services. This advocacy 
often draws NTIA into discussions about access to broadband internet 
service, digital literacy, intellectual property, and technological 
standardization. Over the last decade, these discussions have 
intensified, as many countries have invested greater resources into 
developing national innovation strategies, and have increasingly 
brought those ideas into international forums, such as APEC and the 
OECD. Over the coming years, these discussions will increasingly focus 
on issues such as the economic and social impacts of artificial 
intelligence, the workforce changes brought on by automation and new 
internet-enabled business models, and the growth of blockchain 
applications, to name a few. NTIA welcomes comments on how OIA should 
participate in international discussions of these issues, as well as 
other issues related to emerging technologies and trends.

Request for Comments

    Instructions for Commenters: NTIA invites comments on the full 
range of questions presented by this Notice, including issues that are 
not specifically raised. Commenters are encouraged to address any or 
all of the following questions. Comments that contain references to 
specific court cases, studies, and/or research should include copies of 
the referenced materials with the submitted comments. Commenters should 
include the name of the person or organization filing the comment, as 
well as a page number on each page of their submissions. All comments 
received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted 
on the NTIA website, https://www.ntia.doc.gov/ gov/, without change. All 
personal identifying information (for example, name or address) 
voluntarily submitted by the commenter may be publicly accessible. Do 
not submit confidential business information or otherwise sensitive or 
protected information.

I. The Free Flow of Information and Jurisdiction

    A. What are the challenges to the free flow of information online?
    B. Which foreign laws and policies restrict the free flow of 
information online? What is the impact on U.S. companies and users in 
general?
    C. Have courts in other countries issued internet-related judgments 
that apply national laws to the global internet? What have been the 
practical effects on U.S. companies of such judgements? What have the 
effects been on users?
    D. What are the challenges to freedom of expression online?
    E. What should be the role of all stakeholders globally--
governments, companies, technical experts, civil society and end 
users--in ensuring free expression online?
    F. What role can NTIA play in helping to reduce restrictions on the 
free flow of information over the internet and ensuring free expression 
online?
    G. In which international organizations or venues might NTIA most 
effectively advocate for the free flow of information and freedom of 
expression? What specific actions should NTIA and the U.S. Government 
take?
    H. How might NTIA better assist with jurisdictional challenges on 
the internet?

II. Multistakeholder Approach to Internet Governance

    A. Does the multistakeholder approach continue to support an 
environment for the internet to grow and thrive? If so, why? If not, 
why not?
    B. Are there public policy areas in which the multistakeholder 
approach works best? If yes, what are those areas and why? Are there 
areas in which the multistakeholder approach does not work effectively? 
If there are, what are those areas and why?
    C. Are the existing accountability structures within 
multistakeholder internet governance sufficient? If not, why not? What 
improvements can be made?
    D. Should the IANA Stewardship Transition be unwound? If yes, why 
and how? If not, why not?
    E. What should be NTIA's priorities within ICANN and the GAC?
    F. Are there any other DNS related activities NTIA should pursue? 
If yes, please describe.
    G. Are there barriers to engagement at the IGF? If so, how can we 
lower these barriers?
    H. Are there improvements that can be made to the IGF's structure, 
organization, planning processes, or intercessional work programs? If 
so, what are they?
    I. What, if any, action can NTIA take to help raise awareness about 
the IGF and foster stakeholder engagement?
    J. What role should multilateral organizations play in internet 
governance?

III. Privacy and Security

    A. In what ways are cybersecurity threats harming international 
commerce? In what ways are the responses to those threats harming 
international commerce?
    B. Which international venues are the most appropriate to address 
questions of digital privacy? What privacy issues should NTIA 
prioritize in those international venues?

IV. Emerging Technologies and Trends

    A. What emerging technologies and trends should be the focus of 
international policy discussions? Please provide specific examples.
    B. In which international venues should conversations about 
emerging technology and trends take place? Which international venues 
are the most effective? Which are the least effective?
    C. What are the current best practices for promoting innovation and 
investment for emerging technologies? Are these best practices 
universal, or are they dependent upon a country's level of economic 
development? How should NTIA promote these best practices?
    For any response, commenters may wish to consider describing 
specific goals and actions that NTIA, the Department, or the U.S. 
Government in general, might take (on its own or in conjunction with 
the private sector) to achieve those goals; the benefits and costs 
associated with the action; whether the proposal is agency-specific or 
interagency; the rationale and evidence to support it; and the roles of 
other stakeholders.

    Dated: May 31, 2018.
David J. Redl,
Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information.
[FR Doc. 2018-12075 Filed 6-4-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-60-P

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.