Big data could be used to track and curtail COVID-19, Senate Commerce Committee leaders from both parties said Thursday, noting the need to scrutinize pandemic data collection (see 2004080068). Lack of a federal privacy law is undermining efforts, witnesses told the committee during a "paper hearing." Groups highlighted potential data pitfalls that need to be avoided. There was no real-time testimony, but documents were exchanged.
Three experts Wednesday lent support to revisiting the growing phenomenon of skepticism about technology. Their view has gained steam in recent weeks as technology companies and their platforms, products and services are being heavily depended upon by those staying at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Not all are on board with their view.
Expect the Senate Commerce Committee to scrutinize industry and government data sharing as the two sides collaborate on COVID-19 response, various groups said in advance of Thursday’s paper hearing (see 2004030076). Democrats will want to know what data is shared with government and how people are being tracked, Interactive Advertising Bureau Executive Vice President-Public Policy Dave Grimaldi told us Wednesday. He will testify and expects Republicans to explore public safety, economic and consumer benefits.
The U.S. is shifting toward privacy by design and building safeguards into products from the outset rather than into disclosure statements consumers don’t read, FTC Office of Policy Planning Senior Economic and Technology Adviser Liad Wagman told the Technology Policy Institute Tuesday. He noted he was speaking only for himself, which the commission reiterated after his appearance.
DOJ can investigate without weakening end-to-end encryption for messaging apps, representatives from BSA|The Software Alliance and Internet Society said in interviews, after Telegram told us the messaging app is under FBI investigation. Attorney General William Barr has repeatedly attacked end-to-end encryption (see 1910030058, 1910040035 and 2001220054), citing the dark web. The FBI is “obsessed” with breaking public encryption, said Cato Research Fellow Patrick Eddington. He cited bureau efforts since the 1990s and more recent interest in Facebook’s WhatsApp.
The FCC will allow indoor operation over the full 1,200 megahertz of 6 GHz, without automated frequency control and at power levels lower than the cable industry and others sought, said a draft order released Thursday, as expected (see 2004020033). The draft proposed the devices be limited to 5 dBm/MHz radiated PSD, lower than the 8 dBm/MHz sought by cable and others. Industry officials said that means less throughput for devices using the wide channels. The draft proposes higher limits for outdoor devices using AFC, but would exclude drones and connected automobiles.
The Trump administration should do more to restrict sales of emerging technologies to China, lawmakers said in recent interviews. The administration hasn't issued regulations under authority granted by Congress 19 months ago. Senators commended the administration for increasing foreign direct investment restrictions and going further than previous administrations in confronting China’s unfair trade practices. They will continue pushing for tighter restrictions.
The state's attorney general isn’t backing off plans to enforce the California Consumer Privacy Act starting July 1 despite a push by business groups to delay it by six months amid COVID-19. Lawyers are advising businesses to expect enforcement that day. The public health crisis must delay some things but shouldn't postpone this, said California Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Hannah-Beth Jackson (D) in an interview.
FCC commissioners finished OK'ing an emergency COVID-19 telehealth program Tuesday (see 2004010032) that directs $200 million from the Cares Act to healthcare providers to treat patients at home. Chairman Ajit Pai circulated the item Monday (see 2003300048) and Commissioner Brendan Carr voted then. Commissioner Geoffrey Starks said Tuesday morning he voted yes. At that day's FCC meeting, Commissioner Mike O'Rielly asked that the item, which attached a three-year, $100 million USF Connected Care pilot long in the works (see 2003120002), be split in two so commissioners could deliberate on them separately.
Privacy advocates fear COVID-19 is creating a surveillance state that will outlast the pandemic. Experts during streamed events Wednesday disagreed how much access the U.S. government will have to data, given constitutional protections.