22 U.S. Code § 10307 - Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership

(a) Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership

The Secretary is authorized to establish a program, which may be known as the “Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership”, to help foreign countries—

(1) expand and increase secure internet access and digital infrastructure in emerging markets, including demand for and availability of high-quality information and communications technology (ICT) equipment, software, and services;

(2) protect technological assets, including data;

(3) adopt policies and regulatory positions that foster and encourage open, interoperable, reliable, and secure internet, the free flow of data, multi-stakeholder models of internet governance, and pro-competitive and secure ICT policies and regulations;

(4) access United States exports of ICT goods and services;

(5) expand interoperability and promote the diversification of ICT goods and supply chain services to be less reliant on imports from the People’s Republic of China;

(6) promote best practices and common standards for a national approach to cybersecurity; and

(7) advance other priorities consistent with paragraphs (1) through (6), as determined by the Secretary.

(b) Use of funds

Funds made available to carry out this section may be used to strengthen civilian cybersecurity and information and communications technology capacity, including participation of foreign law enforcement and military personnel in non-military activities, notwithstanding any other provision of law, provided that such support is essential to enabling civilian and law enforcement of cybersecurity and information and communication technology related activities in their respective countries.

(c) Implementation plan

Not later than 180 days after December 22, 2023, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate, and the Committee on Oversight and Accountability of the House of Representatives an implementation plan for the coming year to advance the goals identified in subsection (a).

(d) Consultation

In developing and operationalizing the implementation plan required under subsection (c), the Secretary shall consult with—

(1) the appropriate congressional committees, the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives;

(2) United States industry leaders;

(3) other relevant technology experts, including the Open Technology Fund;

(4) representatives from relevant United States Government agencies; and

(5) representatives from like-minded allies and partners.

(e) Authorization of appropriations

For the purposes of carrying out this section, funds authorized to be appropriated to carry out chapter 4 of part II of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2346 et seq.) may be made available, notwithstanding any other provision of law to strengthen civilian cybersecurity and information and communications technology capacity, including for participation of foreign law enforcement and military personnel in non-military activities, and for contributions to international organizations and international financial institutions of which the United States is a member. Such funds shall remain available until expended.

(Pub. L. 118–31, div. F, title LXIII, § 6306, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 989.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, referred to in subsec. (e), is Pub. L. 87–195, Sept. 4, 1961, 75 Stat. 424. Chapter 4 of part II of the Act is classified generally to part IV (§ 2346 et seq.) of subchapter II of chapter 32 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2151 of this title and Tables.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Definitions

For definitions of “Secretary” and “appropriate congressional committees” as used in this section, see section 6002 of Pub. L. 118–31, set out as a note under section 2651 of this title.