Roth Says U.S. Must Lead Global Network Standards to Protect Speech

WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2026 – Arielle Roth, assistant secretary of commerce for communications and information, said Wednesday that the United States must lead in shaping global telecommunications standards and next-generation networks to prevent foreign governments from embedding speech restrictions into the architecture of the internet.

Speaking at the Media Institute’s monthly luncheon, Roth argued that control over communications infrastructure now defines the boundaries of free expression.

“If you want to control speech in the 21st century, you don’t just ban words or books,” Roth said. “You regulate infrastructure, networks, platforms, standards, algorithms, and market access.”