U.S. Department Of State Hosts First Internet Task Force Meeting
/Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
February 7, 2018
As directed in President Trump’s June 16, 2017, National Security Presidential Memorandum “Strengthening the Policy of the United States Toward Cuba,” the Department of State convened a Cuba Internet Task Force composed of U.S. government and non-governmental representatives on Wednesday, February 7. Over the next year, the task force will examine technological challenges and opportunities for expanding Internet access in Cuba with the goal of helping the Cuban people enjoy the free and unregulated flow of information.
During the inaugural meeting, the task force agreed to form two subcommittees, one to explore the role of media and freedom of information in Cuba, and one to explore Internet access in Cuba. The subcommittees will provide the task force a preliminary report of recommendations within six months based on input from relevant experts and stakeholders. The task force agreed to reconvene in October to review the preliminary reports, after which it will prepare a final report with recommendations for the Secretary of State and the President.
The Cuba Internet Task Force is chaired by Deputy Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs John S. Creamer. In addition to the Department of State, other entities represented on the task force are: the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, the Federal Communications Commission, the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the U.S. Agency for International Development, Freedom House, and the Information Technology Industry Council.
The Cuba Internet Task Force is a Presidential Advisory Committee under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). Consistent with the objectives of FACA we will work to ensure that advice by advisory committees is objective and accessible to the public. All public documents related to the task force will be made available on the Department of State’s Cuba Internet Task Force webpage. Those interested in being considered for participation on a subcommittee should email CubaITF@state.gov with an explanation of their relevant experience and interest.
