This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning ICT, cloud computing, digital infrastructure, social media platforms, digital privacy, AI, cybersecurity, blockchain, Web3 and cryptocurrencies. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to track other GR news in adjacent industries? Don't miss this week's updates in Finance and Defence.

Dates: 2026-01-05 to 2026-01-16

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Congressional Calendar
• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• Homeland Security Subcommittee Hearing on Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology: The House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement will hold a hearing, "Smarter Borders, Safer Nation: Expanding the Use of Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology," on January 22 at 3:00 pm in Cannon House Office Building, room 310.

Federal Government News

Presidential Proclamation Imposes Tariff on Advanced Computing Chips, Semiconductor Imports

On January 14, President Trump issued a Proclamation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act imposing a 25% tariff on certain advanced computing chips, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and derivatives, with limited exemptions for imports supporting U.S. supply chain development, R&D, data centers, repairs, startups, consumer, and public sector applications. The action follows the Secretary of Commerce's report citing insufficient U.S. production capacity and foreign reliance on semiconductor supply chains that threaten critical infrastructure and military security. The Secretary is directed to conduct trade negotiations and monitor import conditions. The proclamation grants agencies authority for implementation and supersedes conflicting earlier orders.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov, www.whitehouse.gov

Commerce Department Revises License Review for Exports of Advanced Computing Commodities to China and Macau

Effective January 15, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) revised its export license review policy for advanced node integrated circuits, including Nvidia H200 and AMD MI325X, to China and Macau. Applicants meeting technical and security criteria may be considered for export on a case-by-case basis, departing from a blanket presumption of denial. Exporters must certify product supply sufficiency for the U.S. market, provide KYC procedures, list remote end users, and confirm independent third-party testing of AI commodity capabilities. Aggregate shipments to China/Macau are capped at 50% of United States shipments, with oversight on reexports and in-country transfers maintaining stricter denial policies. This revision addresses national security concerns while allowing narrowly tailored discretionary licensing.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Announces Repeal of 21 Outdated or Duplicative Rules Covering Communications Technologies

On January 14, the FCC issued a Direct Final Rule to repeal 21 obsolete or unnecessary rule provisions within Title 47 Parts 0, 4, 9, 11, and 90. Impacted regulations include rules that have sunset, those governing expired deadlines or technologies, and duplicated content. Public comment is invited by February 3, 2026; absent substantial adverse commentary, the changes become effective March 16, 2026. The FCC intends these removals to modernize its regulatory framework, lower compliance burdens, and facilitate technological progress. A report will be submitted to Congress and the GAO in accordance with the Congressional Review Act.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Proposes Spectrum Rule Updates Reflecting WRC-19 Final Acts; Revises Radio Quiet Zone Limits and Allocations

On January 14, the FCC proposed changes to harmonize U.S. spectrum allocations (495 kHz to 50.9 GHz) with the 2019 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-19) Final Acts. Key provisions include non-geostationary satellite access in 137-138 MHz and 148-149.9 MHz bands, in-band power limits for certain earth stations, new allocations supporting maritime GMDSS, and facilitation of ESIMs in higher frequency bands. Terrestrial updates support NAVDAT in 495-505 kHz and modify Table Mountain Radio Quiet Zone settings above 15.7 GHz. Comments are due by February 13, with reply comments by March 16; the FCC seeks technical and business input on the proposed regulatory modifications.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

USPS Proposes Privacy Act Modifications for IT Infrastructure and Applications

On January 9, the U.S. Postal Service published notice of proposed modifications to two IT-related Privacy Act systems of records, SOR 550.000 and SOR 550.100. Changes include new purposes and revised record categories for oversight, policy creation, employee activity review, and expanded AI search services. The intent is to streamline policy document processes, bolster eCommerce oversight, and leverage AI for issue analysis and remediation. Affected records encompass user access data, productivity metrics, cybersecurity investigation details, application usage, and board portal collaboration records. The revised systems will take effect Feb. 9, 2026, pending comment.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Public Safety Communications Act Advances in House

Bill 1519, titled the Public Safety Communications Act, focuses on science, technology, and communications policy. The bill has been forwarded by the Subcommittee to the Full Committee by voice vote.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Old laws, new tech: The massive litigation poised to define 2026: Legal disputes over technology are expected to reshape the regulatory landscape in 2026.
• India's proposed phone security rules that are worrying tech firms: New Indian phone security requirements are generating industry concerns about compliance.

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