On October 21, 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced new partnerships with the Attorneys General of Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, Delaware, and Indiana, joining a growing coalition of states working with the FCC to enhance privacy, data protection, and cybersecurity enforcement. This expansion builds on earlier collaborations with Connecticut, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, and the District of Columbia.
These partnerships are facilitated through Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), enabling federal and state authorities to coordinate investigations, share expertise, and leverage resources to protect consumer data and combat cybersecurity threats. The partnerships will allow the FCC’s Privacy and Data Protection Task Force, created in early 2024, to work more closely with state leaders to safeguard consumers from data breaches, fraud, and other cyber threats.
New States Joining the Effort
The Attorneys General of Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, Delaware, and Indiana have formally joined this effort to combat privacy and cybersecurity threats, bringing a wealth of experience to the collaboration. Here are some highlights from their statements:
- Maine Attorney General Aaron M. Frey: Highlighted the partnership’s importance in fighting scams and identity theft.
- Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell: Emphasized the need for cooperation between federal and state partners in protecting personal data from increasing cyber threats.
- Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark: Expressed her commitment to prioritizing privacy over corporate profits and ensuring a secure marketplace.
- Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings: Pointed to past successes working with the FCC to combat robocalls, reinforcing the potential impact of the new partnership.
Privacy and Data Protection Task Force
As part of this broader enforcement effort, the FCC’s Privacy and Data Protection Task Force (Task Force) leads initiatives targeting privacy violations and cyber threats. Led by the FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, the Task Force coordinates across the FCC on rulemaking, enforcement, and public awareness, particularly on issues like SIM swapping scams, port-out fraud, and data breaches. Recent settlements with T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon under the Task Force’s leadership have resulted in significant consumer privacy upgrades and strengthened data protection terms across the telecommunications industry.
Coordinated Action
The partnerships allow state and federal leaders to investigate privacy breaches more efficiently by combining their investigative powers. Through the MOUs, state and federal entities can:
- Share consumer complaints and relevant records.
- Conduct joint investigations.
- Utilize investigative tools such as subpoenas and confidential response letters.
What to expect?
Businesses operating in the telecom industry should remain vigilant and prepare for potential enforcement actions in response to emerging privacy and cybersecurity challenges. The FCC’s expanded partnerships will increase enforcement capabilities and scrutiny, making it essential for companies to ensure their data protection practices meet federal and state standards.
CONTACT US NOW if you have questions about data privacy obligations under federal laws and FCC rules
Jonathan S. Marashlian – Tel: 703-714-1313 / E-mail: jsm@CommLawGroup.com
Michael Donahue — Tel: 703-714-1319 / E-mail: mpd@CommLawGroup.com
Diana James – Tel: 703-663-6757 / E-mail: daj@CommLawGroup.com
