July 26, 2026 to August 01, 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 Adopts Final Rule on Submarine Cable Landing Licenses and Cybersecurity Measures

On July 27, the FCC adopted a Second Report and Order that expands licensing requirements for owners and operators of submarine line terminal equipment (SLTE), introducing a regulatory regime for blanket licensing while imposing routine reporting and national security-related certification requirements. The Order prohibits the use of SLTE produced by foreign adversary-controlled entities, restricts third-party service providers with similar affiliations, and establishes an expedited application process for qualifying applicants. All SLTE owners and operators must now implement cybersecurity and physical security risk management plans, with an estimated one-time industry cost of $28.5 million and ongoing annual compliance costs of $10.7 million. Existing licensees must certify to new reporting obligations and national security standards with increased incident reporting to federal authorities and submission of annual circuit capacity reports.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Proposes Further Modernization of Emergency Alert Systems and Wireless Alerts

The FCC issued a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on July 31, seeking public input on new rules to enhance the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). The proposal covers digital signature authentication for alert messages, stricter geotargeting requirements, the introduction of a universal alert message identifier to minimize duplicate alerts, the inclusion of standardized symbols in EAS and WEA notifications, and updated operational requirements for EAS software and alerting protocols. Compliance deadlines would vary by requirement, with some standards becoming effective in 12 to 36 months if adopted, and anticipated industry implementation costs of up to $52.5 million.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Finalizes Cybersecurity Rules for Emergency Alert System Participants

The FCC released a Report and Order requiring targeted cybersecurity practices for EAS participants, effective September 29, 2026. New mandates include changing equipment default passwords to strong alternatives, prompt installation of software and firmware security patches, and implementation of network firewalls or comparable network segmentation for remote management. The action follows a series of cyberattacks affecting broadcasters and EAS equipment, with burdens and compliance timeframes designed to minimize impact particularly for small entities. The Commission estimates annual costs of $26 million industry-wide and singles out improved baseline protections as a means to reduce the risk of false alerts and public safety disruptions.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NTIA Schedules First Responder Network Authority Virtual Meeting

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced that the FirstNet Authority Board will conduct a virtual public meeting on August 17, 2026, covering strategic decisions linked to nationwide interoperable public safety broadband networks. The session will address matters possibly involving sensitive commercial or legal information and will be accessible to the public through Microsoft Teams, with agenda details to be posted on the FirstNet Authority website.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Highlights Tech and Data Center Investment in Michigan

On July 27, the White House announced major technology and manufacturing investments in Michigan, with companies such as OpenAI, Oracle, and Related Digital planning a $7 billion data center campus, and construction projects by Pratt Industries and Corning on advanced manufacturing and infrastructure. The administration credits "America First" policies, tariffs on foreign technology products, and public-private initiatives for attracting large-scale investment across sectors, including AI, cloud, and electronics.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Legislative Updates

Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act of 2026 (S.3900)

S.3900 would address human rights violations, internet restrictions, and accountability measures in Iran. The bill has been placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders (Calendar No. 504).

Sources: www.congress.gov

A bill to establish protections for minors who use companion artificial intelligence chatbots (S.5154)

S.5154 aims to institute safeguards for minors who interact with AI-powered companion chatbots and related technologies. The bill was read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Sources: www.congress.gov

A bill to amend the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to reauthorize the regional innovation program (S.5198)

S.5198 would extend and update the regional innovation program, supporting collaborative technology and business initiatives. The bill was read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Sources: www.congress.gov

U.S. Tech PATH Act (S.4570)

The U.S. Tech PATH Act addresses aspects of technology partnerships and international relations. Placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders (Calendar No. 510).

Sources: www.congress.gov

AI Ads Act (S.5135)

The AI Ads Act seeks to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in advertising. The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Data Center Resource Disclosure Act (H.R.10005)

H.R.10005 addresses the reporting of data center resource usage and its environmental impacts. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• US companies face rise in cyber attacks: U.S. companies report an uptick in cyberattacks, increasing cybersecurity pressure across multiple sectors.
• Minnesota IT officials disclose 'coordinated cyberattack' at more than 30 local water systems: Minnesota disclosed a coordinated cyberattack affecting over 30 water systems, raising infrastructure security concerns.
• Elon Musk's xAI sues Minnesota over its first-in-the-nation law banning 'nudification' technology: xAI has filed suit against Minnesota’s new law restricting AI-powered "nudification" technology.
• UK's Ofgem proposes grid-connection fee to deter speculative data centre projects: Ofgem is considering a grid-connection fee to prevent speculative data center projects in the UK.
• Data center boom to make Portugal one of Europe's fastest-growing power markets, EDP says: Portugal’s electricity demand is set to rise sharply due to rapid data center expansion.
• ChatGPT, Roblox could be included in DSA scope, EU Commission spokesperson says: The EU may include platforms like ChatGPT and Roblox in its Digital Services Act framework.
• A Cyberattack on U.S. Water Systems, and the Growing Threat of Falling Space Junk: U.S. water systems face cyberattacks amid heightened attention to infrastructure security.

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