May 17, 2026 to May 23, 2026

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. Also consider subscribing to our ICT & Cybersecurity - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

FCC Adopts Comprehensive E-Rate Competitive Bidding Portal and Procedures for Funding Year 2028

The Federal Communications Commission approved new rules introducing a competitive bidding portal and document repository for E-Rate, effective for funding year 2028. Service providers must submit bids exclusively through the portal, and applicants will upload corresponding bid evaluations, vendor selection documents, and contracts, facilitating greater transparency and compliance. The FCC Form 486 requirement will be dropped, and its certifications consolidated into Form 471, easing applicants' administrative workload. Rules now allow bandwidth upgrades mid-year without rebidding if already encompassed in a contract. Applicants may claim a 120-day extension for invoice filing deadlines and receive a 60-day window to rectify rejected reimbursement submissions. Wiring between campus buildings qualifies as an internal connection, and the consortium definition aligns with Emergency Connectivity Fund standards. Cost allocation guidance clarifies ineligible use rules for category one service where 90% of usage is eligible. Applicants must document bid disqualifications and consider all bids before evaluation unless deadlines are specified. A standardized bid response template is forthcoming, aiming for streamlined comparisons and reduced fraud or waste.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

U.S. and Sweden Sign Technology Prosperity Memorandum of Understanding

The U.S. and Swedish governments formalized an MOU for extended cooperation in science and technology on May 22, 2026, encompassing AI innovation, connectivity advances, quantum ecosystems, defense technologies, and supply chain security. The arrangement schedules joint efforts to foster 'trusted AI' and robust 5G/6G communications, with attention to research security, intellectual property protection, and mitigation of risks in sensitive R&D. Additional points of collaboration include nuclear energy, biomedical research, and space exploration. The document establishes that personal data handling must comply with applicable national protection laws, while intellectual property will be addressed through separate agreements.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

FCC Reviews Cable Television Franchise Transfer Application Procedures

The FCC is examining the use of Form 394, the standardized tool for cable operators seeking franchise authority consent for assignment or transfer of control of cable systems. This routine review under the Paperwork Reduction Act invites public comments by July 20, 2026, assessing necessity, utility, accuracy, and potential burden reduction strategies. The Commission reports an estimated 2,000 entities complete 1,000 responses annually, requiring 1 to 5 hours per response and resulting in approximately 7,000 hours and $750,000 in total annual costs.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Privacy Training Information Collection: Proposed Extension for Federal Contractors

The Office of Federal Procurement Policy, alongside the DoD, GSA, and NASA, is soliciting comments in connection with the extension of privacy training recordkeeping requirements for federal contractors handling personally identifiable information or government records. Contractors are required to maintain documentation for both initial and annual privacy training, available to contracting officers upon demand. The proposed extension would carry the current collection through October 31, 2026, tracking 4,282 respondents and 25,799 recordkeeping responses annually. Agencies are requesting feedback on necessity and burden, with submissions due by July 21, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Seeks Public Feedback on Technical Data Reporting for the 4.9 GHz Band

The FCC issued a notice seeking stakeholder input on information collection requirements for public safety licensees and applicants in the 4.9 GHz spectrum band. Entities must provide granular technical data to the Universal Licensing System for coordination and non-public safety access facilitation. The collection covers 190 respondents with an estimated 16 hours per response, totaling 3,040 annual hours and $152,000. Comments must be submitted by June 22, 2026; Section 90.1207(f) reporting was completed in July 2025 with no additional new burdens.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Broadband Infrastructure Permitting Bill Introduced

Bill 4561 seeks to update the permitting process for broadband installations on federal lands, aiming to reduce procedural delays and encourage network deployment. Latest action: Read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (text: CR S2375-2377).

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill Targets Security and Integrity of Critical Infrastructure from PRC Cyber Actors

Bill 4565 would establish an interagency task force for risk assessment and mandate a comprehensive report on cyber threats to U.S. critical infrastructure from state-sponsored actors in China. Latest action: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Foreign Government Partner Procurement of U.S. Cyber Technologies Bill

Bill 4570 aims to incentivize and streamline procurement processes for foreign governments seeking U.S.-origin digital and cybersecurity technologies. Latest action: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Small Business Cybersecurity Assistance Evaluation Act of 2026 Advances

Bill 8880, the Small Business Cybersecurity Assistance Evaluation Act of 2026, has been ordered reported by the Yeas and Nays (23-0), moving into the next phase of legislative review.

Sources: www.congress.gov

National Security Risk Review of Communications Equipment Bill

Bill 4586 would require an official review of national security risks from communications equipment supplied by identified entities. Latest action: Read twice and referred to the Select Committee on Intelligence.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

California Executive Order Mobilizes Agencies in Response to Potential AI Workforce Disruption

Governor Gavin Newsom directed state agencies, universities, and industry leaders to develop policies, data collection, and early warning systems addressing economic impacts and workforce disruption from AI adoption.

Sources: www.gov.ca.gov

Connecticut Board of Regents Leadership Change

Governor Ned Lamont appointed Ari Santiago as interim chair of Connecticut’s Board of Regents for Higher Education, which oversees state colleges and universities and their technology policy developments.

Sources: portal.ct.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• ‘Q-Day’ is almost here. It could unleash a cybersecurity crisis far worse than Y2K: Experts warn of quantum computing’s threat to global cryptography and data protection as Q-Day approaches.
• The Longest Internet Blackout in History Is Crippling Iran’s Economy: Iran’s prolonged internet shutdown damages business operations and digital infrastructure.
• Italy busts €300 million streaming piracy ring: Italian authorities dismantled a major illicit streaming operation, disrupting piracy networks across the EU.
• AI helping India's engineering hubs generate IP faster, Daimler Truck exec says: AI adoption accelerates intellectual property creation in Indian tech hubs, according to Daimler Truck executives.
• AI shift forces skills rethink at India tech hubs, Kimberly-Clark executive says: India’s technology workforce adapts strategies to new AI-driven skill requirements and operational models.
• Rising Energy Prices and Data Centers Are at Center of a Utility Deal: Increasing data center power demands influence utility negotiations and commercial electricity rates.
• AI-related data breaches surging, Verizon report says: Verizon finds that AI-linked cybersecurity breaches now surpass incidents involving stolen credentials.
• Google, Meta, TikTok hit by EU consumer complaints about handling of financial scams: Major digital platforms face consumer complaints in Europe over moderation of financial scams.
• Regional Leadership in Wildland Fire Research Act of 2025: Bill referred to House Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology addresses fire research infrastructure.
• Lulu’s Law: Senate passed motion to reconsider Lulu’s Law, focused on science, technology, and communications.

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