Daniel Calingaert

[Commentary] American values and interests face three major threats online. First, the volume of private data, about every aspect of our lives, is growing exponentially but is often poorly protected. Second, terrorists, propagandists and purveyors of fabricated news are taking advantage of the online space to undermine democracy. Third, because citizens use the internet to expose corruption, document human rights abuses and mobilize political action, authoritarian governments restrict online freedom, and their controls are rapidly growing in reach and sophistication.

A free and open internet is fundamental to US interests in the world and American values — commerce, innovation, social interaction, and political engagement — but it is coming increasingly under strain. The Trump administration will need to put in place and pursue a broad policy agenda to preserve the internet's benefits and potential for the United States going forward.

[Daniel Calingaert is executive vice president of Freedom House.]