To promote Internet access in developing countries and update foreign policy toward the Internet, and for other purposes.

Despite the internet’s rapid global spread, women are less likely to have internet access than men in developing countries, where as many as 200 million fewer women are online compared to men. Closing this gap could boost global commerce by billions of dollars and improve women’s access to jobs and education. H.R. 600, the Digital Global Access Policy Act, introduced by Chairman Royce, will increase internet access for millions in developing countries by requiring private sector coordination and special attention to women and underserved populations. The bill passed the House on January 24, 2017.

Full text of H.R. 600, as introduced

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Related Press Releases

Closing the Digital Gap Will Advance U.S. Interests Abroad (January 24, 2017)

A ‘build-once’ policy for the developing world (September 13, 2016)