Internet Freedom

"From a small band of university researchers sharing documents to people -- over a billion people connecting in real-time around the globe, the internet has proven to be a force multiplier for freedom and a censor's nightmare, as efforts by repressive regimes have failed to fully restrict or block growth and access to the internet. Nevertheless, there are severe challenges to this openness."

--Former Under Secretary Josette Sheeran, February 14, 2006

The Internet is a potent force for freedom around the world, but challenges to its independence by repressive regimes threaten its transformational power. In order to ensure a robust U.S. foreign policy response to these challenges, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice established the Global Internet Freedom Task Force (GIFT) on February 14, 2006. In addressing challenges to Internet freedom, this internal task force will draw on the Department of State's multidisciplinary expertise in international communications policy, human rights, democratization, business advocacy, corporate social responsibility, and relevant countries and regions.

 "The United States is determined to maximise the free flow of information over the internet and minimise success by repressive regimes in censoring information and silencing legitimate debate in this global town hall." 

--Former Under Secretary Josette Sheeran, May 5, 2006