American Tech Council (E.O. 13794)

Summary

Creates the American Technology Council to help the government use technology better, making its online services more secure, efficient, and easy to use.

What problem does this solve?

The government's use of technology for digital services is outdated and needs to be modernized to better serve Americans. This order creates the American Technology Council to guide the government's strategy for improving its technology and online services.

What does this order do?

Establishes the American Technology Council (ATC)

Creates a new council to coordinate the vision and strategy for the federal government's use of information technology and digital services.

Defines council membership

Appoints the President as Chairman and includes the Vice President, various Cabinet Secretaries, and key technology officials as members.

Outlines council functions

Tasks the council with coordinating the government's IT strategy, advising the President on tech policy, and ensuring policies are implemented effectively.

Excludes national security systems

Specifies that the council's functions do not apply to national security systems, as defined by federal law.

Sets a termination date

States that the executive order and the American Technology Council will automatically terminate on January 20, 2021.

Who does this affect?

Federal government agencies
The American public

What is the real world impact?

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Centralizes technology strategy

Creates a high-level council chaired by the President to coordinate the government's tech vision. This centralizes decision-making and ensures a consistent approach to modernizing federal IT systems and digital services.

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Consolidates White House control over tech

By placing the President as Chairman and including numerous White House advisors, the council centralizes control over federal technology initiatives directly within the Executive Office of the President.

When does this start?

This order takes effect on April 28, 2017, and includes a specific end date for the council.

Council termination

The American Technology Council is set to terminate on January 20, 2021.