June 28, 2026 to July 04, 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

FCC Final Rule: Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS) Modernization

The Federal Communications Commission published a Third Report and Order amending rules for the Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS). Key changes include a redesigned DIRS user interface, allowing manual filers to use a dynamic form instead of separate worksheets and introducing a one-click filing option for providers to indicate no change from the previous day's report. DIRS reporting requirements are consolidated, with several obsolete fields and reports eliminated, including the final report requirement and mandatory reporting for non-facilities-based providers. DIRS reporting is now mandatory for public safety voice and broadband network operators, such as FirstNet and Verizon Frontline, when DIRS is activated. Satellite providers retain voluntary reporting, and providers can now submit more granular geographic information. The rule aims to improve emergency manager access to actionable communications status information during disasters. Immediate effect was announced upon publication, with certain modifications slated for implementation after technical upgrades.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Notice: Enhanced A-CAM Cybersecurity and Supply Chain Risk Management Plan Collection

The FCC issued a notice requesting public comments regarding the collection of cybersecurity and supply chain risk management plans from Enhanced Alternative Connect America Cost Model (A-CAM) carriers. Carriers serving rural areas under the Enhanced A-CAM program are required to implement and certify operational cybersecurity and supply chain risk management plans effective January 1, 2024. The plans must be submitted to the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), and certification is required by February 12, 2024. Non-compliant carriers face a 25% withholding of support until compliance is achieved. The FCC indicates that the collection aims to ensure rural broadband services meet security standards comparable to those receiving other federal funding.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Information Collection Notice: Multiple Programs Under Review

The FCC published a notice seeking public comments on several information collections submitted for Office of Management and Budget review. Collections include requirements for chief operators in broadcast stations, notification and consent processes for rebroadcasts in radio and television, compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act regarding tower construction and antenna collocations, accessibility reporting for telecommunications and advanced communications services, and broadband consumer labeling mandated by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The broadband labeling program requires ISPs to display standardized labels disclosing price, speed, data allowance, and participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program, with a total annual burden estimated at more than 983,000 hours.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Department of Homeland Security: Establishment of ANCHOR-CI Advisory Body

The Department of Homeland Security, through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), announced the establishment of the Alliance of National Councils for Homeland Operational Resilience—Critical Infrastructure (ANCHOR-CI). This advisory body comprises sector, cross-sector, regional, and industry councils that will provide coordinated advice and recommendations to the DHS Secretary via the CISA Director. The entity is exempt from Federal Advisory Committee Act requirements and aims to facilitate group input from critical infrastructure stakeholders, including technical experts, private entities, and government representatives. Membership is administered by CISA, with councils formed to address sector-specific and cross-sector challenges and enhance collaboration on national critical infrastructure security.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

SEC Notices: Exchange Connectivity Fee Schedule Amendments and TNO Cross-Connect Service Fees

The Securities and Exchange Commission published notices of immediate effectiveness for rule changes filed by Nasdaq and NYSE exchange groups to amend connectivity fee schedules. Nasdaq Stock Market LLC and affiliated exchanges established fees for their Telecommunications Network Operator (TNO) Cross-Connect services, introducing a $550 installation fee and a $385 monthly fee applicable to telco provider-to-customer connections within Nasdaq-managed data centers. NYSE and its subsidiaries removed the obsolete 'Optic Access Circuit—1 Gb' service and clarified access center connectivity for 10 Gb and 40 Gb circuits. All changes are intended to reflect current demand and ensure fee schedules are transparent and equitable, with Nasdaq's fees cited as lower than comparable NYSE fees. Implementation is scheduled for Q3 2026, and public comments are invited prior finalization.

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

Legislative Updates

Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act

Bill 7266 addresses cybersecurity for rural and municipal utilities. The latest action was a motion to reconsider, laid on the table and agreed to without objection.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Broadband Infrastructure Extension Act

Bill 9521, titled Broadband Infrastructure Extension Act, was referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The act concerns infrastructure investment in broadband expansion.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To Codify Executive Order 14412: Securing the Nation Against Advanced Cryptographic Attacks

Bill 9516 seeks to codify Executive Order 14412, focused on protecting the U.S. against advanced cryptographic attacks. It was referred to multiple House committees, including Oversight and Government Reform, Science, Space, and Technology, Foreign Affairs, Homeland Security, Intelligence (Permanent Select), and Armed Services.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To Amend the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945: Quantum Information Science and Technology

Bill 9585 would include quantum information science and technology among areas covered by the Export-Import Bank's Program on China and Transformational Exports. The bill is under review with the House Committee on Financial Services.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Protecting Investors’ Personally Identifiable Information Act

Bill 1483, the Protecting Investors’ Personally Identifiable Information Act, passed markup with a recorded vote of 27-21 in the House. The bill concerns privacy rules for financial sector data.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments for Web Accessibility

Bill 9539 proposes amendments to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, expanding coverage to consumer-facing websites and mobile applications of private entities and establishing web accessibility compliance standards. Latest action: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Fiber-Optic Cable Purchases from Countries of Concern

Bill 9541 would prohibit certain Federal funds from being provided to individuals and entities that purchase fiber-optic cable from designated countries of concern. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Sources: www.congress.gov

National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act Prize Competition Amendments

Bill 9506 would amend the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020 to require the Office of Science and Technology Policy Director to establish a prize competition program related to artificial intelligence. The bill is currently before the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• EXCLUSIVE: World's biggest domain seller fears India's fake site crackdown could damage internet: Reuters reports ICANN's concerns about India's regulatory actions impacting global domain management.

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