Advancing Digital Freedom Act of 2024
Latest action (19 Nov 2024): Introduced
What this bill does
S. 5344, the Advancing Digital Freedom Act of 2024, would establish digital freedom as a formal U.S. foreign policy priority. It sets out a policy statement supporting the development and governance of technology in line with human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, and calls for U.S. cooperation with allied countries on these issues. The bill formally defines and directs the duties of the "Coordinator for Digital Freedom," a position within the State Department's Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, tasking that official with countering digital authoritarianism, supporting information integrity, promoting inclusive and rights-respecting technology, and engaging on artificial intelligence governance. It also requires the Bureau to submit an annual report to Congress on the global state of digital freedom, covering threats such as censorship, disinformation, privacy risks, and AI governance concerns, along with policy recommendations.
The bill primarily affects the State Department's internal organization and reporting duties rather than creating new rights or obligations for the public. It would shape how U.S. diplomats engage with foreign governments, international organizations, and civil society on technology and human rights issues, and would give Congress regular information on global digital freedom trends.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on November 19, 2024, by Senator Christopher Coons with Senator Thom Tillis, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. It did not receive a vote before the end of the 118th Congress, meaning it would need to be reintroduced in a future Congress to be considered further.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill was introduced on November 19, 2024, in a previous session of Congress, but it did not receive a vote.
Common questions
- What does S. 5344 do?
- S. 5344, the Advancing Digital Freedom Act of 2024, would establish digital freedom as a formal U.S. foreign policy priority. It sets out a policy statement supporting the development and governance of technology in line with human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, and calls for U.S. cooperation with allied countries on these issues. The bill formally defines and directs the duties of the "Coordinator for Digital Freedom," a position within the State Department's Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, tasking that official with countering digital authoritarianism, supporting information integrity, promoting inclusive and rights-respecting technology, and engaging on artificial intelligence governance. It also requires the Bureau to submit an annual report to Congress on the global state of digital freedom, covering threats such as censorship, disinformation, privacy risks, and AI governance concerns, along with policy recommendations. The bill primarily affects the State Department's internal organization and reporting duties rather than creating new rights or obligations for the public. It would shape how U.S. diplomats engage with foreign governments, international organizations, and civil society on technology and human rights issues, and would give Congress regular information on global digital freedom trends. The bill was introduced in the Senate on November 19, 2024, by Senator Christopher Coons with Senator Thom Tillis, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. It did not receive a vote before the end of the 118th Congress, meaning it would need to be reintroduced in a future Congress to be considered further.
- Has S. 5344 become law?
- Not yet. As of 19 Nov 2024, S. 5344 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 5344?
- S. 5344 was sponsored by Sen. Christopher Coons [D-DE] (Democrat-DE), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 5344?
- Introduced (19 Nov 2024).
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