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.

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Dates: 2026-03-22 to 2026-03-28

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

FCC Issues Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Telecommunication Rate Reform and Network Modernization

The Federal Communications Commission adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to accelerate the transition to all-IP networks, proposing comprehensive reforms to voice telecommunications regulation. The NPRM addresses moving remaining intercarrier compensation charges to a bill-and-keep framework and detariffing access and end-user charges. The proposal also invites comment on phasing out Universal Service Fund support related to intercarrier compensation, deregulating long-distance services, and removing outdated recordkeeping and reporting rules. Comments on the NPRM are due by May 26, 2026, with reply comments due by June 22, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FERC Approves Reliability Standard CIP-003-11 for Low Impact Cyber Security Management

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved NERC's proposed Reliability Standard CIP-003-11 to strengthen management controls over low impact bulk electric system cyber assets. The standard introduces requirements for remote user authentication, protected transmission of authentication information, and enhanced monitoring for malicious communication to or between low-impact BES Cyber Systems. This measure is aimed at reducing coordinated cyberattack risks. The effective date is set for May 26, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FERC Approves Virtualization Reliability Standards and Updates to Critical Infrastructure Protection

FERC approved 11 modified Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) Reliability Standards, including new and revised definitions in the NERC Glossary to support virtualization. The rule establishes new criteria for oversight and documentation when responsible entities claim exceptions based on 'per system capability.' The action enables secure adoption of virtualization and other new technologies within the power sector. The final rule is effective May 26, 2026, and requires annual reporting to the Commission regarding the use of these exceptions.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

President Trump Names Science and Technology Advisors to PCAST

President Trump announced appointments to the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), including Marc Andreessen, Sergey Brin, Safra Catz, Michael Dell, Lisa Su, Mark Zuckerberg, and others. The Council will be co-chaired by David Sacks and Michael Kratsios, tasked with providing recommendations to maintain U.S. leadership in science and technology. PCAST will address emerging technologies and their workforce impacts, continuing a tradition of scientific advisory since 1933.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Secretary Markwayne Mullin Sworn In as Secretary of Homeland Security

Markwayne Mullin was sworn in as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security following Senate confirmation. Praised by lawmakers and public safety organizations, Mullin is expected to address border security, disaster response, and cybersecurity. DHS stakeholders anticipate collaboration under his leadership to strengthen national infrastructure and protect against evolving threats.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Legislative Updates

Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Reviews Act (H.R. 1681)

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 494 in the House. The bill seeks to expedite federal review processes for broadband deployment, aiming to streamline approvals for infrastructure projects.

Sources: www.congress.gov

A bill to amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to require States to include supporting the physical security, cybersecurity, and resilience of local distribution systems in State energy security plans (S. 4166)

Read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The bill would mandate that state energy security plans address cybersecurity and physical security for local distribution networks.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Health Care Cybersecurity and Resiliency Act of 2026 (S. 3315)

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders (Calendar No. 365). The bill addresses cybersecurity preparedness and resilience within the healthcare sector.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Mystic Alerts Act (H.R. 7022)

Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Yeas and Nays 52 - 0. The bill would update national alert systems with implications for digital infrastructure and emergency messaging.

Sources: www.congress.gov

A bill to impose a moratorium on the construction of new data centers until legislation is enacted that safeguards the public from the dangers of artificial intelligence (S. 4214)

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The bill proposes a halt on new data center construction pending rules addressing AI-related risks.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• EU and CPTPP agree to progress with "historic" digital trade deal, Canada's international trade minister says: The EU and CPTPP are set to advance a major digital trade agreement.
• US Supreme Court seeks $25.4 million funding boost for security, cyber protection: The Supreme Court requested a funding increase to enhance court security and cyber defenses.
• What is the World Trade Organization e-commerce moratorium that stops tariffs on digital downloads and streaming?: WTO's moratorium continues to prevent tariffs on cross-border digital goods.
• The Trust Wall: Why AI’s Next Billion Users Will Come Through Trust Networks: Andreessen Horowitz discusses the importance of trust networks for future AI user adoption.

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