May 31, 2026 to June 06, 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
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Trump Administration Issues Executive Order on Advanced Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Security

The President issued Executive Order 14409 on June 2, 2026, establishing directives for federal agencies to promote advanced artificial intelligence (AI) innovation and national security. The Order directs the Committee on National Security Systems to prioritize cyber defense, mandates new cyber guidance for federal and critical infrastructure systems via CISA, and creates an AI cybersecurity clearinghouse led by the Treasury Department, NSA, and CISA. A classified AI benchmarking process will identify "covered frontier models," and a voluntary developer framework enables secure collaboration prior to release. The measure affirms there will be no mandatory pre-clearance for AI models and calls for the Attorney General to enforce statutes against criminal misuse of AI. Coordination is required among departments regarding funding opportunities, federal hiring avenues for cybersecurity, and secure deployment of frontier AI models.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Proposes Modernization of High-Cost Program to Support Future IP Networks and AI Development

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to update its High-Cost Program and other legacy universal service funding mechanisms. The NPRM addresses the transition from time-division multiplexing to IP-based communications, the integration of satellite services, and the consolidation of funding across the $42.5 billion BEAD program and other federal deployments. Among several proposals, the FCC seeks comment on new model-based support mechanisms, deployment obligations for receiving support, cybersecurity requirements, and approaches to avoid duplicative funding. Stakeholders are invited to comment on cost eligibility, the role of unsubsidized competitors, performance milestones, and eligibility determinations using the National Broadband Map. A two-year extension for A-CAM I is also proposed, along with related compliance enforcement. Comments are due by August 4, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

USTR Initiates Section 301 Investigations and Proposes Tariffs on Brazilian Digital Trade, Intellectual Property, and Tariffs

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) issued a determination that specific Brazilian acts, policies, and practices regarding digital trade, electronic payment services, intellectual property protection, preferential tariffs, anti-corruption, ethanol market access, and deforestation are actionable under Section 301 of the Trade Act. USTR proposes imposing 25% tariffs on most Brazilian goods, subject to detailed exclusions, and is soliciting comments on the scope of tariff coverage and potential disruptions. The action follows investigations and public consultations referencing Brazilian judicial orders impacting U.S. tech firms, preferential tariff arrangements for Mexico and India, intellectual property enforcement delays, and sectoral export competition. The public hearing is scheduled for July 6, 2026, and written comments are due by July 1, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Homeland Security Collects Stakeholder Feedback on Emergency Communications and .gov Domain Registration

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is conducting information collections to support its .gov Registrar and qualitative evaluation of national security and emergency preparedness communications (NSEPC). The .gov Registrar collects eligibility details from U.S. government entities to provision .gov websites, in compliance with the DOTGOV Act. Separately, a new information collection seeks feedback on emergency communications via customer surveys, comment cards, questionnaires, and panels. This supports requirements under the 21st Century Emergency Communications Act and will inform program improvements, with an estimated 12 million respondents for the NSEPC effort.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov

Privacy Act Matching Programs Announced to Verify Lifeline and ACP Broadband Eligibility

The FCC has initiated new Privacy Act matching programs in coordination with the Universal Service Administrative Company and state health authorities to verify eligibility for the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). These matching efforts with New Mexico and Kentucky leverage state SNAP and Medicaid databases to validate applicants’ benefit enrollment. The programs begin on July 1, 2026, and support ACP and Lifeline's mission of providing discounted broadband services to income-qualified households by reinforcing eligibility checks and reducing program fraud.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

PLAN for Broadband Act

S. 323, PLAN for Broadband Act, sponsored by Senator Cruz, received a written report from the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation (Report No. 119-123) with minority views filed. The bill addresses broadband deployment strategy and oversight for U.S. telecommunications infrastructure.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Foreign Robocall Elimination Act

S. 2666, Foreign Robocall Elimination Act, is now on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders (Calendar No. 422). The bill focuses on combating unlawful international robocalls targeting U.S. consumers.

Sources: www.congress.gov

A Bill to Support Improved Federal Communications Resources During Disasters

S. 4691 has been introduced to enhance coordination and awareness of federal communications resources during disasters and emergencies. The bill was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Sources: www.congress.gov

A Bill on Orbital Data Centers and Space-Based Cloud Computing Pilot

S. 4693 directs the Secretary of Defense to implement a pilot program under the Hybrid Space Architecture initiative to evaluate commercial orbital data center services and space-based cloud computing for national security operations. The bill is before the Committee on Armed Services.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Small Business Cybersecurity Assistance Evaluation Act of 2026

H.R. 8880, the Small Business Cybersecurity Assistance Evaluation Act of 2026, has been placed on the Union Calendar (No. 592). The bill addresses evaluation and coordination of federal support for small business cybersecurity needs.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• US FCC plans tighter rules that will help US firms in undersea internet cable market: The FCC is considering stricter rules supporting U.S. companies in the undersea cable sector.
• Canada Orders Broadcast Regulator to Revise Streaming Decision Amid U.S. Trade Talks: Canadian officials instructed the broadcast regulator to review a high-profile online streaming decision.
• Canadian government tells regulator to back off on charging streamers like Netflix more: Canada asked its regulator not to increase fees for streaming services such as Netflix.
• EU plans energy standards for data centres amid concerns over soaring power use: The EU is proposing energy standards for data centers to address rising electricity consumption.
• Five Eyes security alliance warns of Chinese espionage threat: The Five Eyes alliance issued a warning about persistent Chinese espionage targeting critical infrastructure.
• EU proposes energy standards for data centers: European authorities put forward energy efficiency requirements for data centers.
• Japan could end up an 'AI colony' if it falls behind, digital minister warns: Japan's digital minister stated that delayed AI investment risks making the country dependent on foreign technology firms.
• Meta Expands Safety Features for Teenagers: Meta introduced additional online safety features aimed at protecting young platform users.

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