California Privacy Protection Agency to Consider Draft Rules Putting Guardrails on Automated Decision-Making, Including AI: Pre-Use Disclosures, Opt-Out Options, Access, And Appeal Rights
The California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) yesterday released long-awaited draft rules on automated decision-making in several areas of significance, marking a significant step in shaping some of the most impactful artificial intelligence laws at the state level in the U.S. The rules would require businesses to provide prior notice, opt-out, and access options to consumers […]
FCC Rules Aimed at Cracking Down on Foreign-Originated Robocalls to Take Effect December 20; Includes Foreign Ownership Disclosure Rules Applicable to VoIP Providers
Big changes to the FCC’s Foreign Ownership Disclosure Rules for VoIP Providers have been looming. After many months of consideration and comments, the FCC’s finalized rules to Curb Illegal Robocalls by Regulating VoIP Providers’ Access to Phone Numbers are now set to go into effect on December 20, 2023. With those rules come substantial changes […]
Belgian Public Consultation on the Implementation of the EU NIS2 Directive
The Belgian Center for Cybersecurity (CCB) has launched a public consultation on a draft law aligning with the EU NIS2 Directive, aiming to establish a cybersecurity framework by October 2024. This proposed law eliminates the operator distinction and classifies entities based on importance into essential and important categories, focusing on managing cybersecurity risks. Entities, such […]
Lead Generators and Terminating Providers Beware: FCC To Consider Rules Cracking Down on Illegal Robotexts at December 13 FCC Open Meeting; Customer Consent One Seller at a Time, National DNC Registry to Apply to Texts, And More
The Federal Communications Commission (the “FCC”) has just announced its proposed agenda for the December Open Meeting. Included is the Second Report and Order and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Combatting Illegal Text Messages. In line with its aggressive multi-pronged approach to fight illegal robocalls, the FCC seeks to adopt an equivalent policy […]
Hawaii PUC Issues Order on Utility Natural Hazard Mitigation
The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (Commission) recently issued Order No. 40396 on November 21, 2023, which mandates all public utilities within the state to file a Utility Natural Hazard Mitigation Report. The order requires utilities to submit the report within the next six months, precisely by May 21, 2024. This report should comprehensively outline ongoing […]
UPDATE: FCC Publishes Rules on Eliminating Digital Discrimination; Clock Starts Soon for Stakeholders Considering Legal Challenges
We would like to bring to your attention a recent development by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that may impact your operations in the broadband internet access space. The FCC has officially published its rules aimed at eliminating digital discrimination in communities with poor internet access. The CommLaw recently published an advisory detailing the rules […]
Belgian Public Consultation Looks to Implement Measures Against Scammers
The Belgian Institute for Postal Services and Telecommunications (BIPT) has launched a public consultation on a draft Royal Decree aimed at curbing scam calls misusing Belgian phone numbers. The proposed measures involve blocking operators receiving international calls, regulating roaming and foreign numbers, and requiring identification data within 24 hours upon request. Notably absent are specifics […]
Recent Legislative and Judicial Developments Suggest Universal Service Fund Contribution Reform is on the Horizon
We are writing to inform you about two recent developments impacting the future of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Universal Service Fund (USF) program. As detailed below, activities in Congress and before the U.S. Supreme Court are sending clearer and clearer signals as to what the future may hold for the USF program and how […]
FCC Adopts Rules to Eliminate ‘Digital Discrimination’ for Communities with Poor Internet Access
At its regularly scheduled Open Meeting on November 15th, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted 3-2 along party lines to adopt sweeping regulations at eliminating discrimination in access to internet services. In some corners, this move is being hailed as a significant step, marking the first major U.S. digital civil rights policy. In others, it […]
FCC’s Robocall Mitigation Plan Filing Deadline Still Pending
As delineated in a previous Client Advisory, several months ago the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC” or “Commission”) released a Report and Order and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“Order” and “NPRM”) imposing stringent new robocall mitigation rules on all voice service providers (“VSPs”) operating in the U.S. One of the key provisions of the Order is the imposition […]
Important Updates Regarding FCC Form 499-A and 499-Q for 2024 Reporting
On October 30, the FCC released updated versions of the annual Telecommunications Reporting Worksheet, FCC Form 499-A, and the quarterly Telecommunications Reporting Worksheet, FCC Form 499-Q, for the year 2024. These changes are part of the ongoing efforts to ensure the effective administration of universal service programs. Key “Substantive” Changes to the 2024 FCC Form 499-A Instructions: […]
FCC Inching Closer to Tightening Rules Governing Holders of International Section 214 Authorization and Requiring One-Time Submission of Up-to-Date Ownership Information
Back in April, we informed clients that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) with significant implications for telecommunications carriers, in particular those holding FCC Section 214 international authorizations (“214 authority”). The NPRM suggests that carriers renew their international Section 214 authority every ten years and periodically update their information, allowing the FCC […]
President Biden Issues Long-Awaited Sweeping Executive Order on Artificial Intelligence
On October 30, President Biden issued a sweeping Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence seeking to seize the promise and manage risks of the artificial intelligence (AI) technology, establish new standards for AI safety and security, promote privacy, advance equity and civil rights, stand up for consumers […]
FCC Sets Deadlines for Comments to Its Proposed Rules Under TRACED Act to Curb Illegal Robocalls by Regulating VoIP Providers’ Access to Phone Numbers
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)’s proposed rules were published in the Federal Register today (Oct. 30, 2023), making comments due by November 29 and reply comments due by December 29. As explained in our earlier advisory, the FCC is making specific proposals for new regulations that would make significant modifications for (in)direct access to telephone […]
FCC To Consider Strengthening CPNI and Number Porting Rules to Stop Fraudulent SIM Card Swapping and Port-Out
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is taking action to protect consumers from SIM swap and port-out fraud. In an upcoming vote on November 15, the FCC will consider new proposed rulemaking aimed at preventing scammers from taking control of people’s mobile accounts through tactics like SIM card swapping and phone number porting. This initiative, which […]
White House Seeks Billions in Funding from Congress to Extend Affordable Connectivity Program and Complete “Rip & Replace”
We are excited to bring to your attention two significant developments that impact the telecommunications industry, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), and the FCC’s “Rip & Replace” program. These developments have the potential to shape the future of connectivity in the United States. ACP Funding Increase: The White House announced a critical development impacting service providers […]
