Bill Overview
Title: Transatlantic Telecommunications Security Act
Description: This bill directs the Department of State and other federal agencies to help certain countries improve the security of their telecommunications networks and addresses related issues. Assistance provided under this bill shall be available to projects in a country that falls below certain gross domestic product per capita thresholds and is (1) a NATO member state that shares a border with Russia, or (2) a European country that has not participated in or aided Russia's invasion of Ukraine. A project located in such a country shall be eligible for assistance if the project (1) improves telecommunications networks; (2) is inclusive, transparent, economically viable, sustainable, supplied only with secure equipment and services, and compliant with international standards and laws; and (3) does not use equipment or services from China or Russia or replaces such equipment or services. To support eligible projects, the State Department shall provide diplomatic and political support and shall also encourage international financial institutions to provide investment support. The U.S. Trade and Development Agency, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, and other specified federal agencies shall also provide project support, such as feasibility studies and finance-related support, as necessary. The State Department must also appoint, from among its existing personnel, an International Telecommunication Union Security Campaign Director. The director must, among other duties, lead efforts to promote candidates for elections at the International Telecommunication Union who will support and defend democratic values, internet freedom, and telecommunication security.
Sponsors: Rep. Kaptur, Marcy [D-OH-9]
Target Audience
Population: People in eligible European countries with impacted telecommunications networks
Estimated Size: 1000
- The legislation targets countries that are NATO members sharing a border with Russia or European countries that have not supported Russia in the Ukraine conflict, who also have a low GDP per capita.
- Countries included might have varying population sizes; not all citizens will be directly affected, but those involved in or reliant on telecommunications will be.
- Improved telecommunications infrastructure may impact most of the population in terms of service reliability, data security, and access to technology.
- Countries like Poland, Norway, and the Baltic States (e.g., Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) could be affected.
- Ukraine, as it is directly named in the context of its invasion, may not be a direct beneficiary unless other criteria are met standalone.
- The emphasis on securing telecommunications from Chinese and Russian technology affects the supply chain and existing infrastructure adjustments.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily impacts certain European countries, with indirect effects on the US. The direct impact on US citizens is minimal and mainly involves those working in telecommunications or government sectors related to international projects.
- The budget constraints imply that the support will be selective towards projects that offer substantial benefits or strategic advantages. Not all potential projects will receive funding, given the high costs of upgrading telecommunications infrastructure.
- Most US citizens will not notice any immediate changes in their daily lives due to this policy. The primary wellbeing improvements pertain to enhanced global security and stability, which might indirectly affect satisfaction with international safety perceptions.
- Individuals working directly with policy-related projects may feel a stronger impact, such as security professionals, project managers in international aids, or state department employees.
- General awareness or concern regarding international telecommunications security could slightly shift public opinion in some sectors, especially those with frequent international interactions.
Simulated Interviews
Telecommunications Engineer (New York, NY)
Age: 46 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy is a step in the right direction for enhancing global security.
- Direct involvement in this policy would mean job stability and potentially more international travel.
- I wish there was more budget allocation towards domestic telecommunications improvements.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
IT Security Consultant (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might increase demand for cybersecurity consultants like me.
- International relations improvements can indirectly lead to safer online environments universally.
- Concerned that domestic cybersecurity issues might be overlooked with the shifting focus.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
University Professor of International Relations (Austin, TX)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's crucial to support democratic values and secure communications internationally.
- This act might foster deeper scholarly exploration opportunities regarding NATO and non-NATO countries.
- Hoping this doesn't shift focus away from more pressing domestic issues that need immediate attention.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Retired Diplomat (Chicago, IL)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Telecommunications security is a global priority; this initiative is commendable.
- I am concerned about the escalation of tension with certain global powers.
- Eager to see how former colleagues and systems adapt to these changes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Startup Founder in Tech Sector (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy opens new markets for tech solutions, including secure communications.
- Potential partnerships with European countries enthralled by this Act's requirements.
- Concerned about potential global tech divides or over-reliance on specific countries.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 9 |
Financial Analyst at a Multinational Corporation (Miami, FL)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- From an investment standpoint, the policy enhances opportunities in select markets.
- It will likely influence multinational strategies around secure technology investments.
- Concerns about geopolitical instability impacting market forecasts remain.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Telecommunications Policy Analyst (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policy aligns with goals to secure international telecommunications from vulnerable regions.
- Will enhance security discussions and influences in international telecommunications bodies.
- I hope this creates more openness in global telecom forums.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Journalist (Seattle, WA)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The act provides fascinating material on tech policy I can report on.
- Raises concerns about editorial focus; international versus local technological issues.
- Indirectly boosts my profession by increasing public interest in global telecommunications security.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Software Developer for an International NGO (Boston, MA)
Age: 48 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy might create a need for cybersecurity solutions in NGOs.
- Interested in seeing how partnerships with eligible countries will unfold due to this policy.
- Worried it might divert funds from equally significant human rights tech development projects.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Government Affairs Advisor (Denver, CO)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Brings structure to how US assists allies with telecommunication.
- Policy adds confidence to secure global communication pathways.
- Worrying about fiscal priorities between foreign and domestic policies persists.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $200000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $250000000)
Year 2: $180000000 (Low: $130000000, High: $230000000)
Year 3: $180000000 (Low: $130000000, High: $230000000)
Year 5: $180000000 (Low: $130000000, High: $230000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The geopolitical influence of reducing dependence on Chinese and Russian telecom equipment in NATO-bordered countries against Russia enhances regional security.
- Cooperation with international financial institutions can leverage additional funding and broaden the impact scope of the U.S. initiative.
- Ensuring compliance with international standards and transparent practices demands stringent oversight and consistent policy application among participating countries.