August 09, 2026 to August 15, 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

National Security Presidential Memorandum: Private Sector Engagement in Cyber Operations

On August 12, 2026, President Trump issued a memorandum establishing a program through the National Coordination Center (NCC) to authorize vetted U.S. companies to conduct Cyber Surveillance and Cyber Effects Operations against foreign Cyber-Enabled Transnational Criminal Organizations (CE-TCOs). The program is managed jointly by the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security, with strict compliance procedures and reporting protocols. Participating companies must adhere to federal legal frameworks and enter into contracts with the U.S. government, with regular oversight and annual reporting to the White House. Operations are subject to limitations to prevent unauthorized targeting of U.S. persons or infrastructure. This action builds on Executive Order 14390 and positions the NCC as the central point for U.S.-sanctioned private sector engagement in international cyber criminal disruptions.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

White House Imposes Tariffs on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Imports

President Trump issued a proclamation on August 13, 2026, citing national security concerns identified by the Secretary of Commerce under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. The proclamation imposes a 100% ad valorem duty on UAS weighing over 25 kg, those with thermal imagers, docking stations, and key components, and a 25% duty on smaller UAS and selected imports, taking effect after a brief delay for most UAS components. The Secretary of Commerce is authorized to establish an incentive program for companies committing to domestic UAS manufacturing, potentially granting applicable tariff benefits. Exceptions and reduced rates will apply to certain allied countries. Monitoring and adjustment mechanisms are also established to ensure compliance and address national security priorities.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

FCC Finalizes Streamlined Broadband Label Rule

The Federal Communications Commission published a final rule on August 13, 2026, updating broadband consumer label requirements at 47 CFR Part 8.5. The new rule allows providers to present label content conversationally to consumers over the phone and permits simplified display of passthrough fees, either as a maximum or as an exact amount, depending on the jurisdiction. Providers may now use hyperlinks or icons at the point of sale and in account portals, rather than displaying the full label in all instances, which is expected to reduce compliance costs. The FCC also determined that machine-readable spreadsheet posting and two-year label archiving are no longer required. The label content must still be accessible to consumers with disabilities and provided in all languages used for service marketing. The new rules take effect September 14, 2026, except for §8.1(a) which is delayed.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

CISA Notice: Extension for Cybersecurity Vulnerability Assessments Information Collection

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued a Federal Register notice on August 11, 2026, seeking an extension for information collection on its Vulnerability Assessments. This extension follows the White House National Security Memorandum 22, which reaffirms DHS’s coordination role for securing critical infrastructure and mandates a biennial National Risk Management Plan. CISA’s request covers voluntary assessments conducted for critical infrastructure entities and data sharing with FEMA for Public Assistance grant determinations. CISA estimates the annual burden at 7,150.5 hours for 1,100 respondent organizations, with a total annual government cost of $883,064. The notice documents recent changes in survey methodology and requests public comment through September 10, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

OMB: Extension of FAR Prohibition on Federal Contracting With Certain Telecom Entities

The Office of Management and Budget, joined by DOD, GSA, and NASA, published a notice on August 14, 2026, seeking OMB approval for the ongoing information collection associated with the Federal Acquisition Regulation’s prohibition on contracting with entities using certain telecommunications and video surveillance services or equipment (OMB Control No. 9000-0199). The information collection supports representations and reporting requirements under FAR 52.204-26, 52.204-24, and 52.204-25, including contract compliance communications and mitigation reports for covered equipment. No comments were received during the 60-day notice period. OMB review is open for 30 days after publication.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Data Center Community Reinvestment Act of 2026 (H.R. 10102)

This bill, introduced as H.R. 10102, was referred to the House Committees on Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, and Science, Space, and Technology. The legislation would establish community reinvestment obligations specifically for data centers, with detailed consideration by the committees of jurisdiction.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Foreign Robocall Elimination Act (H.R. 2666)

The Foreign Robocall Elimination Act (H.R. 2666) is focused on science, technology, and communications policy. Its latest action was to be held at the desk, pending further disposition or potential referral.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Space Commerce Advisory Committee Act (S. 434)

The Space Commerce Advisory Committee Act (S. 434) was received in the Senate and is associated with science, technology, and communications. The legislation is held at the desk awaiting further action or possible committee referral.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• U.S. Enlists Private Sector in Cyber Battle: The Journal chronicles growing federal-private partnerships as the government permits vetted U.S. firms direct action against transnational cybercriminals.
• How utility and tech firms ‘educate’ regulators with big donations, secret retreats: Tech and utility companies are influencing regulator education and policy discussion via non-transparent events and sponsorships.
• Allstate CEO’s Message on Quantum Computing: ‘Get on the Train’: Allstate's CEO urges industry leaders to proactively engage with the rapid advance of quantum computing technologies.
• French taxpayers' data stolen in cyber attack, French Finance Ministry says: France's finance ministry reports broad data breach and growing risks from cyber attacks targeting sensitive personal information.
• Opinion | If You’d Like to Build a Data Center, My Farm Is Available: Farm owners in the U.S. Midwest respond to demand for data center sites as cloud investment surges.
• Water systems are ripe for cyberattacks, experts warn after suspected Iranian hacks: Security analysts call attention to U.S. water systems as soft targets for foreign-linked cyber intrusions.
• Waymo Is Growing Faster Than Ever. So Are Its Glitches.: Expansion of autonomous vehicle service is prompting operational and safety challenges for Waymo's self-driving cars.

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