Department for Culture Media and Sport

information and communication technology

The communications and media industries will play a key role in the UK’s economic future as the digital economy continues to develop and influence every aspect of our daily lives.

Internationally, DCMS works with the Member States and institutions of  the European Union, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in the development of  ICT policy and best practice that allows businesses to operate effectively and deliver full benefits to consumers.

We promote better regulation principles in Europe and beyond, working to ensure that policy initiatives advance the UK’s economic and commercial goals in a truly open and market-led global information economy. We have active bilateral ICT policy programmes with the governments of  USA, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Canada., Brazil and South Africa. We also have a good working relationship with the Commonwealth Telecommunication Organisation.

Our role

We:

  • provide international expertise, maintain international relationships, lead negotiation of major EU ICT legislation and promote joint work on global regulation and standards
  • look to shape the future work of the European Commission and European Parliament, targeting the areas and issues which are UK Government priorities
  • promote reform of the International Telecommunication Union
  • represent the UK in international fora for Internet governance