Dive Brief:

• An IT trade group released a letter containing a set of tech policy recommendations for the U.S. presidential candidates Wednesday, according to a report from CIO. 

• Among other things, the letter recommends the candidates "recognize encryption as a critical security tool" and reduce government access to Internet users' data.

• The group represents hundreds of tech companies as well as trade groups like the Telecommunications Industry Association, the Consumer Technology Association and the Business Software Alliance.

Dive Insight:

The organizations suggested in the letter that the candidates talk about tech issues, which it says are increasingly important to global trust and trade issues. 

Yet, thus far in the election cycle, candidates have barely touched on technology, despite the fact that issues like cybersecurity, data privacy and investing in STEM training programs increasingly make the headlines. 

Among other things, the group is urging candidates to help strengthen cybersecurity, working to use best practices to better protect government agencies and businesses alike. 

"The technology sector is eager to see robust engagement on, and ultimately support for, the issues that matter most to our nation," the letter said. “We urge the next President to work with our sector to advance an agenda that: (1) ensures Americans possess the skills and talents needed for 21st century success; (2) fosters a business climate that rewards risk and promotes innovation; (3) encourages a fair and open global market for goods and services; and (4) maintains cutting-edge U.S. infrastructure that supports entrepreneurs.”