August 23, 2026 to August 29, 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
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Fact Sheet: President Trump Declares National Emergency to Secure Bulk-Power System

President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order on August 26 declaring a national emergency targeting the security of the U.S. bulk-power system under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the National Emergencies Act. The Order prohibits or conditions the purchase and installation of certain foreign-produced bulk-power system electric equipment deemed risky from a cybersecurity, operational, or national security perspective. Local energy distribution facilities are excluded, while the Secretary of Energy is authorized to issue further rules and identify equipment for action. The Executive Order is designed to address supply chain vulnerabilities in the bulk-power system, critical to national defense and emergency services. Alongside this, President Trump’s actions include tariffs on key goods, new measures advancing AI and grid reliability, and initiatives strengthening domestic manufacturing and the U.S. drone sector.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

FCC Requests Comment on Prohibiting Import and Marketing of Select UAS and UAS Components Listed in FY2025 NDAA

The Federal Communications Commission’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau and Office of Engineering and Technology are seeking comments on a proposal to prohibit the continued importation and marketing of specific previously-authorized foreign-produced uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and UAS critical components, as well as certain communications and video surveillance equipment referenced in Section 1709 of the FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act. This follows a December 2025 addition of such equipment to the Covered List based on national security determinations. The proposal primarily covers devices produced by Anzu, including select FCC IDs, and would require cessation of import and marketing activities within 30 days of Federal Register publication, while use of existing equipment would remain authorized. Comments are due by September 23, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FTC Proposes Extension of the Safeguards Rule Information Collection Requirements

On August 25, the Federal Trade Commission opened a request for public comment on its proposal to extend for three years the information collection required by the Safeguards Rule (16 CFR part 314) under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. The rule mandates financial institutions to report certain data breach notification events involving 500 or more consumers. The FTC estimates 163 institutions are affected annually, with a total annual burden of 815 hours and labor costs of $60,310. Stakeholders have until October 26, 2026, to submit comments.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

USITC Extends Deadline for Public Interest Comments on Wi-Fi Device Imports

The U.S. International Trade Commission has announced an extension of the deadline for public interest submissions in Investigation No. 337-TA-1454, which concerns certain Wi-Fi routers, Wi-Fi devices, mesh Wi-Fi devices, and components thereof. The Commission is considering remedies including exclusion and cease-and-desist orders against ASUStek Computer Inc., ASUS Computer International, and Plume Design Inc. The decision to extend the deadline for submissions to September 18, 2026, allows stakeholders to address potential effects on public health and welfare, competitive conditions, and consumers should the Commission determine a violation.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Schedules September Meeting of Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council (CSRIC X)

The Federal Communications Commission has announced that the tenth Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council (CSRIC X) will hold its second meeting on September 23, 2026, in Washington, DC, with remote participation options available via live webcast and YouTube. CSRIC X, chartered through March 2028, advises the FCC on improving the security, reliability, and interoperability of communications systems. The meeting is open to the public, with advance notice required for accessibility accommodations.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• US companies face rise in cyber attacks: U.S. firms report increasing incidence of cyber attacks targeting critical infrastructure.
• Crackdown on critical tech could open Americans to a new national security threat: Fox News examines potential unintended risks arising from technology regulation efforts.
• CrowdStrike raises annual revenue forecast on strong cybersecurity demand: CrowdStrike increases revenue projections citing expanding enterprise cybersecurity needs.
• As AI agents go rogue, cyber insurers are adapting their policies: Insurers update cyber policies to address incidents arising from autonomous AI agent behavior.
• Where the Quantum Threat Stands: WSJ reports on the status and timetable for quantum computing threats to data security.
• Putin allows Russia to take control of infrastructure deemed vulnerable to drone attacks: Russian decree gives government expanded authority over key infrastructure in response to drone vulnerabilities.
• South Korea media commission says Meta's youth protection changes should apply globally: South Korea urges Meta to adopt child protection safeguards worldwide.
• Spain plans new, stricter data centres rules, sources say: Reuters covers Spain's intent to introduce tighter regulatory standards for data centers.
• Telecoms operator MTN eyes banking licences as it pushes deeper into lending: MTN Group reportedly seeks banking licenses as part of its expansion into digital lending.

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