September 06, 2026 to September 12, 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.

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📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Congressional Calendar
• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee: Executive Business Meeting Including Cyber, Spectrum, and Emergency Communication Legislation: The Senate Commerce Committee will hold a business meeting on September 16 to consider S.4749 (jawboning cause of action), S.4950 (NTIA sciences codification/emergency communications), H.R.7022 (emergency alert satellite transmission), and additional items; meeting scheduled for 2:00 PM ET in Russell 253.
• House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee: Legislative Proposals on Medicare Provider Payment and Health Care Cybersecurity: On September 15, the subcommittee will examine proposals to reform Medicare provider reimbursement and discuss measures to bolster health care cybersecurity (2:15 PM ET, Longworth 1334).
• House Science, Space, and Technology Committee: Innovation in Disaster Prevention—Advancing Technology for Prediction and Response: Scheduled for September 15 at 2:00 PM ET in Rayburn 2318, the hearing will focus on technological advancements for disaster prediction and emergency response.

Federal Government News

FCC Finalizes Supply Chain Security Rule for Equipment Authorization

The Federal Communications Commission issued a final rule prohibiting the authorization of devices incorporating logic-bearing hardware components produced by entities on the Commission's Covered List if such devices would be banned had the listed entity produced the device itself. The rule also mandates online marketplaces to display valid FCC IDs at the online point of sale, with compliance dates phased in from March 2027 for marketplaces with direct device access and June 2027 for third-party seller platforms. The definition of 'critical infrastructure' has been revised in line with a D.C. Circuit remand to closely align with statutory and DHS designations, while requirements for component-level and modification certification are expanded for covered entities. Administrative corrections and clarifications to the rule text were made. The FCC estimates implementation costs up to $300 million, primarily for online platform updates, and expects the measures to restrict avenues for espionage and network compromise.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Opens Comments on Expanding Unlicensed Spectrum for Direct-to-Device Satellite Links

The FCC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on proposals to allow unlicensed devices operating under Part 15—such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and IoT equipment—to communicate with satellites in the 2400-2483.5 MHz and 5725-5850 MHz bands. The proposal would add satellite uplink allocations in these bands, permit operation on a non-interference basis, and consider streamlined licensing approaches, including 'license by rule' models. The Commission also explores the regulatory, technical, international, and security issues surrounding Earth-to-space, space-to-Earth, and intra-spacecraft applications, as well as measures to protect incumbent terrestrial services. Comments are due November 9, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Issues Executive Order to Modernize Veteran Records Access and Benefits Delivery

On September 8, 2026, the President issued an executive order requiring the Department of War and Department of Veterans Affairs to develop interoperable digital records systems using modern IT solutions, including artificial intelligence, to ensure seamless sharing of military personnel and medical records. Agencies must update IT contracts for interoperability, and the Transition Assistance Program is to enhance job placement and training for veterans prior to discharge. The order sets a 180-day deadline for permanent records integration from enlistment to benefit eligibility, aiming to reduce benefit and employment access delays tied to outdated legacy systems. The order mandates compliance with applicable appropriations and laws.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

NTIA Seeks Public Comment on Updated Internet Use Survey Emphasizing AI and Digital Behaviors

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is inviting public comments on revisions to its long-running Internet Use Survey, which collects nationwide data on household broadband usage as part of the U.S. Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey. Planned updates include new questions on AI usage, digital literacy, and children's online behaviors, while maintaining data comparability for trend analysis. The survey will sample 50,000 households, using interviews to yield 8,334 annual response hours. Public comment is open until November 9, 2026, focusing on question relevance, utility, and potential burden minimization.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Opens Inquiry into Overhauling and Strengthening the Robocall Mitigation Database

The FCC released a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to revamp the Robocall Mitigation Database (RMD), seeking to clarify which entities must file, improve data accuracy, and impose stricter compliance, screening, and enforcement provisions. Proposals include enhanced third-party disclosure, detailed business and technical information requirements, and expanded grounds for filing removal and suspension, such as non-responsiveness, repeated violations, or national security concerns. Measures for improved tracebacks, information sharing with the STIR/SHAKEN Governance Authority, and user-friendly status indicators for provider filings are under consideration. Comments on the restructuring and associated requirements are due October 9, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Everyone hates data centers. Lawyers love them: Data center projects face mounting legal challenges as communities push back against their rapid expansion.
• US Senate negotiators consider requiring AI firms to mitigate known major risks: The U.S. Senate is weighing legislation to compel AI companies to reduce major operational and safety risks.
• Law firm Greenberg Traurig says 'limited' data posted to dark web as cyber attacks mount: Greenberg Traurig reported a cyber incident resulting in some data being published on the dark web.
• US House to take up bill aimed at curbing data center-driven electricity costs: House legislators will consider a bill targeting electricity rate hikes driven by data center demand.
• Opinion | I Worked on Safety at OpenAI. This Is What It Should Do Now.: A former OpenAI safety team member outlines needed steps for industry regulatory alignment.
• Opinion | Data Centers: National Necessity or Nuisance?: The Wall Street Journal examines the trade-offs between data center growth and local community concerns.

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