Nathaniel Fick, former cybersecurity executive and marine, discusses the creation of the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, the role of the Tech Ambassador, challenges in steering allies away from problematic telecom vendors, rewiring global supply chains, and building rules for regulating AI.
The Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy aims to integrate and elevate cybersecurity, telecommunications policy, and emerging technologies to safeguard the growth of AI and advocate for strong policies.
The United States emphasizes the importance of public-private collaboration in addressing cybersecurity challenges and building a level playing field against nation-state actors.
Deep dives
The Role of the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy
The United States State Department has established the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy to address issues related to cybersecurity, telecommunications policy, and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing. The Bureau aims to integrate and elevate these areas of focus, bringing together expertise and advocating for strong policies to safeguard the growth of AI and deter negative actions by other countries. The Bureau's role is to lead technology diplomacy, promoting collaboration with the private sector and other countries to ensure an inclusive and rights-respecting technology future.
The Importance of Public-Private Partnership in Cybersecurity
Addressing cybersecurity challenges requires a strong partnership between the public and private sectors. While the private sector possesses the majority of technical expertise, talent, and attack surface to defend against cyber threats, government intervention and support are essential for creating a level playing field against nation-state actors. The United States recognizes the need for substantive engagement and collaboration with the private sector. This collaboration involves regulatory harmonization, government policy support, and the sharing of capabilities and innovative ideas. The goal is to build a strong public-private partnership that benefits both parties and contributes to the overall cybersecurity ecosystem.
Managing the Risks and Opportunities of Artificial Intelligence
The United States acknowledges the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in driving positive change and addressing societal challenges. Recognizing the need for governance and responsible development, the United States has taken the lead in developing voluntary commitments with leading technology companies. These commitments focus on safety, security, and trust in AI applications. While the United States maintains its innovative edge as the North Star, it also aims to collaborate with other countries and organizations, such as the G7, G20, and the United Nations, to multilateralize these commitments and ensure an inclusive global governance regime for AI. The goal is to balance the advantages of AI technology with the mitigation of potential risks.
Building Trustworthy Telecom Infrastructure Globally
Ensuring the security and trustworthiness of global telecom infrastructure is a priority for the United States. The challenge lies in steering allies and partners away from problematic vendors while providing alternatives. The United States actively advocates for trusted vendors, supports decoupling the telecom stack to foster innovation, and works on financing mechanisms to compete with untrusted providers. The focus is on convincing countries worldwide to prioritize data integrity, privacy, and IP protection. Additionally, the United States emphasizes the importance of connecting the unconnected through organizations like the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and promoting both technological advancement and human rights in the digital sphere.
The State Department has a new Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, and it’s run by Nathaniel Fick, a former cybersecurity executive and marine. Ambassador Fick joined the Biden administration to make sure that every department’s digital policy is connected up together. And his job is to make sure the White House can combat threats emerging from cyberspace and AI in the best possible way. Fick joins Ravi Agrawal to share his vision for this new department.