HTTP Priorities for the State of the Union Address
As the President prepares to deliver the State of the Union address, /http/ calls on the Administration to address the key technology and telecommunications priorities detailed in this blog. These actions are vital to advancing digital empowerment, strengthening innovation, and ensuring Hispanic communities, and the nation as a whole, can fully participate in and benefit from a thriving digital economy.
Addressing these issues will, in the coming years, significantly influence U.S. competitiveness, innovation, consumer trust, small business development, and the strength of our civic life–shaping how communities access reliable information, engage in democratic discourse, and hold institutions accountable. For these reasons, federal leadership in these areas is now more urgent than ever.
Federal leadership on AI and emerging technologies is critical
Artificial intelligence and advanced digital systems are increasingly embedded across communications networks, media, and the broader economy. The policy choices made now will determine whether the United States leads in innovation or reacts to standards set elsewhere. For this reason, the President should articulate a coherent national strategy that supports innovation while establishing clear expectations around transparency, accountability, and responsible deployment. This includes continued investment in research and development; workforce development and multi-lingual training; and a balanced regulatory framework that empowers U.S. leadership in AI innovation while simultaneously safeguarding individual rights; addressing data and privacy concerns; strengthening small businesses; and ensuring consumer safety.
Digital empowerment depends on sustained broadband expansion and adoption
Continued investment in broadband infrastructure remains critical, particularly in areas that lack reliable connectivity. However, deployment alone is not sufficient. To ensure that broadband fulfills its role as essential infrastructure, federal policy must also address affordability, competition, and meaningful adoption. Programs such as Lifeline, which ensures that millions of Americans have access to affordable communications and broadband, must be protected and strengthened. At the same time, the President should also affirm a commitment to programs that promote digital literacy and skills development, ensuring that individuals and small businesses can fully utilize high-speed connectivity and emerging AI tools. Broadband is not merely a utility, it is the necessary infrastructure that underpins economic growth, educational opportunity, healthcare delivery, and entrepreneurship in today’s economy.
Strong consumer privacy protections are critical to fostering trust in the digital economy
As data collection and use continue to expand across platforms and a growing number of services, the absence of clear and consistent privacy protections creates uncertainty for consumers and small businesses in particular. /http/ has consistently supported privacy approaches that emphasize transparency, accountability, and meaningful consumer protections, while allowing innovation and competition to flourish. The State of the Union should signal renewed momentum towards establishing clear federal standards that protect personal data and provide regulatory certainty across the digital ecosystem.
Media consolidation and its harmful impact on civic life warrants a renewed focus
The increasing consolidation in media and telecommunications poses a significant threat to a well informed public and civic life. This consolidation has led to the decay of local journalism, a decrease in the variety of viewpoints, and a weakening of accountability at the community level. To sustain a healthy information ecosystem, one that supports vibrant local and community-based media, the President must address the role of federal leadership in fostering competition, enforcing media ownership regulations, and fostering a system that promotes a diversity of voices in thoughts and backgrounds.
The State of the Union address offers a critical opportunity to advance a coherent national agenda for technology and telecommunications policy. For this reason, /http/ calls upon the administration to take the lead by prioritizing innovation, competition, consumer protection, and supporting the crucial communications and media infrastructure essential for civic life.