The recent advancements in technology have emerged as a crucial factor in global competition, presenting a significant challenge to our security while also presenting unprecedented opportunities for our economies, societies, and environment. During the RSA conference in San Francisco, Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the importance of ensuring that technology serves the common good and is aligned with democratic values.
The United States firmly believes that emerging and foundational technologies should be used to promote prosperity, protect human rights, and address global challenges in a collaborative manner. Secretary Blinken emphasized the critical role of societal standards in determining whether technology is used for positive or negative purposes. It is for this reason that the United States has taken proactive measures to safeguard democratic values and mitigate potential harms associated with technology.
To influence the global direction of technology, the United States must engage in competition across various technological domains that are set to shape our digital and physical experiences. Secretary Blinken highlighted the country’s commitment to empowering innovative companies, both domestically and among its partners, to compete fairly for opportunities that contribute to a secure and resilient technological landscape.
Establishing resilient and trustworthy technology ecosystems that encompass research and development, manufacturing, markets, and supply chains is imperative to compete effectively on a global scale. Secretary Blinken underscored the current vulnerability of the world’s tech manufacturing infrastructure due to its concentration in a limited number of geographic areas. As a result, the United States is working to form strategic tech partnerships aimed at enhancing the resilience, diversity, and security of critical technology supply chains.
Furthermore, the United States is actively engaged in protecting sensitive technologies, particularly those with clear ties to military capabilities and human rights violations. Secretary Blinken emphasized the need to impede the efforts of competitors in this regard, as well as to prevent the exploitation of advanced technologies developed by the United States. This includes the issuance of targeted restrictions on the export of advanced semiconductors to mitigate the risk of these technologies being used against the country or its allies.
In conclusion, the harnessing of technology for the greater good requires a collective effort to ensure that it upholds democratic values, promotes prosperity, and addresses global challenges. By taking strategic steps to shape the development, manufacturing, and protection of sensitive technologies, the United States aims to position itself as a leader in forging a secure and resilient technological landscape for the common good.