Cybersecurity
FCC votes to reverse telecom security rulemaking issued under Biden
The vote has drawn significant concern from congressional Democrats, who say it will weaken the security posture of telecom systems. The initial measure was enacted in response to Chinese hacks of U.S. telecom providers discovered last year.
Cybersecurity
FCC to vote on reversing telecom security rulemakings next month
The initial measures proposed at the end of the Biden administration came in response to the Salt Typhoon telecom hacks carried out by China.
Cybersecurity
FCC initiates process to ban Hong Kong Telecom in US
The agency has previously barred China-linked communications providers from operating on American soil.
Exclusive
Cybersecurity
Former Biden cyber chief defends Cyber Trust Mark in the face of FCC review
Anne Neuberger told Nextgov/FCW the Cyber Trust Mark, as it stands, is the most effective path to labeling secure devices and reducing reliance on insecure tech from China.
Cybersecurity
Cyber label program could expand past consumer goods, FCC commissioner predicts
Nathan Simington, the junior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission, said a Biden-era cybersecurity labeling program could expand to cover wireless and industrial products.
Cybersecurity
FCC to investigate potential US operations of restricted Chinese firms
The commission’s new chairman, Brendan Carr, believes that some or all of the companies on the FCC’s Covered List are still operating in the nation.
Exclusive
Cybersecurity
GAO mulls cost evaluation of nationwide telecom hardware replacement
One major vulnerability exploited by China’s Salt Typhoon hacking unit is a Cisco hardware flaw that can’t be patched and requires physical replacement, according to a person with knowledge of the intrusions.
Cybersecurity
Senate bill would require FCC to issue binding cyber rules for telecom firms
The measure from Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore. comes in the wake of Chinese-backed hackers breaching a swath of major telecommunications providers.
Cybersecurity
FCC proposes updates to wiretap security standards following Chinese telecom hacks
Several lawmakers have called for the agency to reform wiretap standards governed by the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act, or CALEA.
Artificial Intelligence
Lawmaker wants FCC to create AI tool for identifying scams
The measure from Rep. John Curtis, R-Utah., would direct the FCC to develop an online platform that can assess submitted communications and then rate the likelihood that they are scam attempts.
Cybersecurity
FCC leaders skirt call for wiretap security reform, hope to ‘go deeper’ on telecom breach briefings
Lawmakers have called on the agency to take up a rulemaking to rethink wiretapping laws amid the hacks that have ensnared several telecom companies, but top FCC officials have not signaled any forthcoming action yet.
Exclusive
Policy
FCC to propose first undersea cable security overhaul since 2001
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel cited rising national security risks in conflict zones as a catalyst for the proposed updates to submarine cable regulations.
Cybersecurity
FCC to soon announce lead administrator for cyber assurance program
More information will also be unveiled during the 2025 CES, Deputy National Security Advisor Anne Neuberger said.
Modernization
FCC adopts georouting rules for national suicide and crisis lifeline
The Federal Communication Commission's new rules will require U.S. wireless providers to automatically route calls and text messages to the 988 lifeline to local crisis centers based on the callers’ physical locations.
Cybersecurity
It’s time to rethink how wiretaps work after Chinese hack, experts say
The FCC sought a briefing from national security officials about the infiltration that was reported last Friday, according to a person familiar with the matter.
Artificial Intelligence
FCC commissioner warns of ‘heavy handed’ AI regulation in political ads
As the Federal Communications Commissions weighs the proposed rule to bring a disclosure regime to political ads using AI, Republican FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr highlighted technical nuances and public confusion as two potential roadblocks.
Cybersecurity
T-Mobile to pay fines, pledges to up upgrade cybersecurity after repeat data breaches
The telecom giant will pay $15.75 million to the Department of Treasury and front an additional $15.75 million for cybersecurity improvements and compliance.
Digital Government
FCC to vote on georouting for suicide and crisis lifeline calls
The FCC plans to vote on rules during its Oct. 17 open meeting that would require all U.S. wireless carriers to implement georouting for calls to the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline.
Cybersecurity
FCC opens applications for $200 million cyber pilot program
The agency has taken numerous steps to enhance U.S. networks’ cyber posture.
Cybersecurity