About Us

The International Communication and Information Policy (CIP) group is part of the Bureau of Economic, Energy and Business Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. CIP leads the Executive Branch policy-development process for international communications and information issues, and serves as the United States’ advocate around the world for policies that:

• Expand access by all people to information and communication technologies (ICT);
• Improve efficiency and security in the worldwide ICT and telecommunications market, particularly relying on free-market forces;
• Ensure fair opportunities for U.S. companies to participate in this important sector around the globe.

In advancing such policies, the State Department achieves broader foreign policy goals of:

• Empowering people by giving them fuller access to a wealth of educational opportunities, information resources and forums for exchange of ideas;
• Building an efficient, growing and secure ICT and telecommunications global structure that improves the investment environment for all countries;
• Providing new opportunities for U.S. companies doing business in all sectors;
• Thereby, raising the standard of living at home and abroad.