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.
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said Monday the agency will move as quickly as it can to allow outdoor use of the 6 GHz band by very low-power devices. Pai told incumbents the FCC has fully vetted their concerns, speaking on a webinar hosted by New America’s New Technology Institute and the Taxpayers Protection Alliance. Pai circulated the draft last week for a vote at the April 23 commissioners’ meeting (see 2004020066).
Streaming video providers are slowing down video transmissions to free up bandwidth when U.S. ISP networks are jammed, we heard this and last week. More content providers likely dialed back their HD video quality during the pandemic, said Streaming Video Alliance (SVA) Executive Director Jason Thibeault. An FCC official doesn't anticipate requesting streaming video operators throttle bit rates like Europe has (see 2003240032). For our past report about increasing demand on networks, see here.
President Donald Trump’s “Team Telecom” executive order formalizes the executive branch’s process for reviewing foreign takeovers of U.S. communications assets, but some observers questioned the extent to which it will alter the status quo. DOJ, DOD and the Department of Homeland Security do those evaluations. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said the Saturday EO means the commission can advance a 2016 NPRM to speed up the review process (see 1606240043).
The FCC rejected Free Press’ emergency petition for inquiry into broadcasters airing allegedly false information about COVID-19 (see 2004060026). FCC Republicans slammed the petition as an attack on free speech. “At best, the Petition rests on a fundamental misunderstanding of the Commission’s limited role in regulating broadcast journalism,” said a Monday letter from General Counsel Tom Johnson and Media Bureau Chief Michelle Carey. “At worst, the Petition is a brazen attempt to pressure broadcasters to squelch their coverage of a President that Free Press dislikes.”
EU and U.K. telecom operators are scrambling to decide what to do about Huawei gear in their networks despite neither the EU nor the U.K. banning it, officials and consultants said in interviews and reports. Companies face significant costs to replace the equipment and are under pressure to build out 5G networks. Showing the sensitivity of the issue, no stakeholders would speak about the subject on the record in phone interviews.
TV and radio public service announcements are a good choice for spreading information about the COVID-19 pandemic in the fractured U.S. media landscape, said academics and marketing CEOs asked about the White House and FCC Chairman Ajit Pai's focus on PSAs as a virus response (see 2003170068). “Considering how broken up mass media is, the ability to reach a large audience is something they have to take advantage of,” said Joseph Cappella, University of Pennsylvania professor of communication.
The COVID-19 epidemic is clouding the timeline for the Senate to act on Commissioner Mike O’Rielly’s renomination to a second full FCC term. He nonetheless stands a good chance of confirmation, communications sector officials and lobbyists told us last week. President Donald Trump renominated O’Rielly in March to a term ending in 2024 (see 2003180070). O’Rielly’s current term ended in June. He would have to leave in January absent a Senate vote.
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.
While the Commerce Department had suggested the FCC pause its orbital debris rules update (see 1904080033), there's no time to wait, according to the 119-page draft order the commission released Thursday in advance of the April 23 meeting. The April agenda also has media items on increasing video description requirements and relaxing interference restrictions for low-power FM.