The Freedom Online Coalition (FOC) is pleased to announce that the United States has assumed the Chairship of the Coalition for 2023.
Today, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly, Chair of the FOC in 2022, handed over the Chairship of the FOC to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who highlighted the U.S.’ focus “on making the Coalition even more effective in advancing the promise of the Internet, and mitigating its perils.”
The U.S., in partnership with FOC Members, will deepen the Coalition’s diplomatic efforts to reinforce the opportunities of digital technologies globally and address the challenges posed by the growing misuse of digital technologies and threats to human rights online.
As outlined in this year’s Program of Action, FOC Members are committed to building upon previous years’ work to strengthen and rejuvenate the Coalition through the following three goals:
- Bolster existing efforts where the FOC adds unique value;
- Increase ties between FOC multilateral policy development and country-level activities, including both diplomatic and development assistance activities; and
- Strengthen and expand the FOC through improved operating mechanics and outreach efforts.
As part of the U.S. Chairship, the Coalition will prioritize the following policy topics: promoting and protecting fundamental freedoms, including through countering network disruptions; countering and building resilience to the rise of digital authoritarianism and the misuse of technologies, to include surveillance technologies; advancing norms, principles, and safeguards for artificial intelligence (AI) based on human rights; and strengthening digital inclusion and supporting ongoing initiatives to promote safe online spaces for marginalized or vulnerable groups, including for women, LGBTI persons, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized or vulnerable groups.
Throughout the year, the U.S. will be supported by the Friends of the Chair, who will provide advice and support the successful implementation of the Program of Action. The 2023 Friends of the Chair, following an internal selection process, will comprise Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The Coalition continues to rely on the expertise of the Advisory Network, an independent multi-stakeholder mechanism, which is instrumental in facilitating collaboration with civil society, academia, and private sector representatives and provides advice on the aims and activities of the FOC.
The chairship of the Coalition rotates among member states on an annual basis, and was previously held by Canada, Finland, Ghana, Germany, Costa Rica, Mongolia, Estonia, Tunisia, Kenya and the Netherlands.
For further information on the Coalition’s activities in 2023, view the Program of Action below or via the following link.
