September 13, 2026 to September 19, 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

FCC Finalizes Regulatory Fee Assessment for FY 2026

The Federal Communications Commission finalized its assessment and collection of regulatory fees for Fiscal Year 2026, setting a collection target of $416.1 million. The FCC's methodology maintains regulatory fee allocations based on the number of direct full-time equivalents (FTEs) performing work linked to oversight of regulated entities in the Wireless, Wireline, Media, Space, and International bureaus. The agency opted not to amend the de minimis annual regulatory fee exemption, keeping the $1,000 threshold, and continued to base commercial mobile service provider assessments on assigned telephone number counts. Adjustments were made to submarine cable unit counts and space station listings to reflect recent data. Regulatees must remit fees by September 24, 2026, with compliance required for license and subscriber count reporting.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Extension of H-1B Nonimmigrant Worker Restrictions

On September 18, 2026, President Trump extended Proclamation 10973 restricting entry of certain H-1B nonimmigrant workers for another twelve months. The measure, first issued in 2025, bars entry unless accompanied by a $100,000 payment, with exceptions. DHS and DOL implemented rules prioritizing higher-skilled, higher-paid applicants and recalibrated prevailing wages. According to the White House, large IT outsourcing firm registrations for H-1B visas fell by 92% with a 97% drop in consular processing requests; holders of U.S. master's degrees comprised 66.1% of registrations for FY 2027. The extension is intended to address ongoing labor market concerns and program compliance.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

ITC Opens Investigation into Electronic Device Audio Technologies

The U.S. International Trade Commission, acting under Section 337 of the Tariff Act, instituted an investigation on September 15, 2026, into certain electronic devices with audio technologies following a complaint by BoomCloud 360 Inc. The probe targets Apple, Samsung, and Google, among others, over allegations of patent infringement regarding spatial audio enhancements and dynamic audio features in products such as mobile phones and tablets. The Commission will consider possible limited exclusion orders and cease-and-desist orders after hearing from parties and interested persons.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Competitive Bidding and Recordkeeping Requirements for E-Rate Program Take Effect

The Federal Communications Commission confirmed that new rules for the Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Mechanism (E-Rate) became effective September 14, 2026, after OMB approval. The updates require use of competitive bidding portals, revised document retention practices, and periodic reporting. Approximately 25,000 respondents will incur an estimated annual burden of 236,890 hours. The rule changes are positioned to improve transparency and address program integrity, in line with the agency’s E-Rate goals.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

ITC Terminates Investigation into Certain Wireless Communication Devices

The ITC concluded Investigation 337-TA-1480 concerning wireless communication devices after granting motions to terminate the remaining respondents, TCL and T-Mobile, following settlements. Originally filed by Active Wireless Technologies LLC in early 2026, the complaint alleged infringement against multiple industry participants including BLU Products, Coosea USA Technologies, Qualcomm, and others. The investigation had already been terminated in stages against the other named firms, and the current action closes the matter in its entirety.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• France probes misuse of smart glasses in sexual harassment cases: French authorities are investigating how connected eyewear may be used in harassment incidents.
• UK's Burnham, Canada's Carney discuss AI challenges and online safety cooperation: UK and Canadian leaders discussed coordinated approaches to online safety and artificial intelligence risks.
• Congress Has Plenty of Ideas to Regulate A.I. Nearly All Are Stalled.: Legislative proposals targeting artificial intelligence have not advanced in Congress.
• The A.I. Industry’s New Worry: ‘Liability Exposure’: Technology firms are preparing for increased legal and monetary risks related to AI deployment.
• Opinion | An AI Antitrust Exemption Would Invite Collusion: Wall Street Journal analysis warns that granting antitrust exemptions for AI could foster collusion.

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