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.
NAB signed on to the push for Congress to include emergency funding for local media and stations in the next stimulus bill addressing COVID-19. Some Democrats and other groups made similar requests in recent days (see 2004080069). Officials from some pro-funding groups are hopeful Congress will provide in the coming measure, perhaps billions of dollars. Lobbyists we spoke with were divided on whether it will be a top priority.
FCC Commissioner Mike O’Rielly wants President Donald Trump to intervene to force DOD to free up more mid-band spectrum for 5G. O’Rielly has focused on 3.1-3.55 GHz, which he considers prime spectrum (see 2001080035).
The scope of the digital divide exposed during COVID-19 is "an inflection point for action, and we need to seize it," FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel said during a Brookings Institution webinar Wednesday. She applauded the ISPs that have taken the Keep Americans Connected pledge but said Americans shouldn't have to rely on industry generosity for internet access: "Having digital justice means getting everyone connected."
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.
Engineers and broadcasters disagree whether more experimentation with possible interference concerns is needed before allowing AM broadcasters go all-digital (see 2003100062). Some argued the FCC should pursue other solutions for the band, in replies posted through Tuesday in docket 19-311.
Zoom emerged as a tool for everyone from businesses to clubs to houses of worship to hold meetings online in the COVID-19 era. The U.K. government used it for cabinet meetings. The load such conferencing sites are putting on networks appears mostly manageable. Zoom users question whether data is adequately protected.
The California Public Utilities Commission teed up a COVID-19 resolution for members' April 16 meeting to retroactively apply emergency customer protection measures from March 4 until the emergency ends. Meanwhile, industry opposed CPUC plans for power backup, among other comments. Also Friday, the CPUC clarified a state LifeLine rule.