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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Dates: 2026-02-02 to 2026-02-08

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• Senate Appropriations Subcommittee Hearing on Broadband Deployment Funding: On February 10, 2026, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies will hold hearings to examine broadband deployment funding at the Department of Commerce. The meeting takes place in Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 138.
• Senate Judiciary Subcommittee Hearing on Telecommunications Carrier Oversight: On February 10, 2026, at 3:15pm, the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law will conduct hearings on Arctic Frost accountability, with a focus on telecommunications carrier oversight, in Hart Senate Office Building, Room 216.
• Senate Commerce Hearing on Media Ownership in the Digital Age: The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee will convene on February 10, 2026, at 3:00pm to examine media ownership in the digital era. The hearing takes place in Russell Senate Office Building, Room 253.
• House Rules Committee Prepares for Undersea Cable Legislation: On February 9, 2026, at 4:00pm, the House Rules Committee will consider measures including H.R. 261, the Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025, at Capitol Room H-313.
• Senate Commerce Committee Business Meeting on Broadband Funding Map Modernization: On February 11, 2026, the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee will hold a business meeting to discuss S.2585, which aims to modernize the Broadband Funding Map to enhance federal broadband deployment efficiency. The meeting is scheduled in Capitol (Senate side), Room 216.
• House Natural Resources Committee Markup Including Broadband Deployment Administrative Review: On February 11, 2026, at 1:45pm, the House Natural Resources Committee will mark up several bills, including H.R. 5419, the Enhancing Administrative Reviews for Broadband Deployment Act, at Longworth House Office Building, Room 1324.
• House Education and the Workforce Hearing: 'Building an AI-Ready America': On February 11, 2026, at 10:15am, the House Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Workforce Protections will hold a hearing titled 'Building an AI-Ready America: Safer Workplaces Through Smarter Technology' in Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2175.

Federal Government News

FCC Announces Effective Date for Robocall Mitigation Database and CORES Registration Amendments

The Federal Communications Commission published a notice confirming that amendments to sections 1.8002(b)(2) and 64.6305(h) are effective as of February 5, 2026. These rules impact the Robocall Mitigation Database and the CORES Registration System, with initial compliance for annual recertification required by March 1. The amendments received approval from the Office of Management and Budget under control numbers 3060-0918 and 3060-1285. Entities subject to these requirements should note the new obligations regarding reporting and registration. Additional information is available from the FCC Wireline Competition Bureau.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

U.S.-India Interim Digital Trade Framework Announced

On February 6, the United States and India released a joint statement outlining an interim trade agreement ahead of broader Bilateral Trade Agreement negotiations. India will reduce tariffs on U.S. industrial and technology goods, while the U.S. will reciprocate on select Indian products. The framework addresses non-tariff barriers, including India’s restrictions on U.S. medical devices and ICT goods, and sets rules for origin and technical regulations. India plans to purchase $500 billion of U.S. energy, aircraft, technology, and metals over five years. Both countries intend to advance supply chain resilience and digital trade. The framework includes provisions for standards and deployment in ICT, with immediate steps toward implementation.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

International Trade Commission Initiates Multiple Section 337 Investigations Into ICT Components

The U.S. International Trade Commission received and published complaints concerning importation and sale of magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) devices, NAND and DRAM memory chips, and laptops, routers, gateways, as well as their components. The investigations, submitted by Avalanche Technology Inc., MonolithIC 3D Inc., and AX Wireless LLC, target respondents including Everspin Technologies (MRAM), KIOXIA Holdings and SK hynix (NAND/DRAM), and numerous technology firms (laptops and routers). Requested relief includes limited exclusion orders and cease and desist orders. Interested parties are invited to comment regarding public interest impacts, such as health, welfare, and competitive conditions within the U.S. market. All submissions are filed electronically through the Commission’s EDIS system with respective docket numbers.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov

DOT Requests Input on Research for Transportation Digital Infrastructure Strategy

The Department of Transportation, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology, issued a Request for Information to inform the national strategy for Transportation Digital Infrastructure (TDI). Stakeholders, including industry and technology developers, may submit written responses addressing areas such as system architecture, interoperability, AI and automation, and data governance, privacy, and cybersecurity. The RFI seeks feedback on leveraging existing programs, integrating TDI into transportation asset management, handling standards, and ensuring secure digital networks. Responses are due by March 6, 2026. Submission instructions and key focus areas are detailed in the official notice.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

ITC to Review Final Initial Determination on Semiconductor Device Imports

The U.S. International Trade Commission announced a partial review of a final initial determination finding violations in the importation of certain semiconductor devices and products containing them, as alleged by Infineon Technologies Americas Corp. The investigation involves Innoscience entities in China and California. The ITC requests written submissions from parties and third parties on remedy, public interest, and bond, due by February 17. Complainant is asked to provide technical and market data regarding the scope of the alleged infringement, potential for exclusion orders, and competitive impacts. The case will assess patent claims and the ability of domestic suppliers to meet market demand if remedial orders are issued.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act

Bill 7266, titled the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act, addresses cybersecurity for rural and municipal utilities. The bill was forwarded by Subcommittee to the Full Committee by voice vote, advancing its consideration in the legislative process.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Facilitating DIGITAL Applications Act

Bill 1588, known as the Facilitating DIGITAL Applications Act, was reported by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Report H. Rept. 119-486, Part I, documents the bill’s latest committee action, reflecting continued movement toward House floor consideration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act

Bill 1343, the Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act, was placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 415. This House bill focuses on federal broadband tracking and is pending further debate.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Cybersecurity Hiring Modernization Act

Bill 5000, titled the Cybersecurity Hiring Modernization Act, was ordered to be reported with amendments following a vote of 44-0. The legislation pertains to government hiring practices for cybersecurity positions.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Safe Cloud Storage Act

Bill 3023, named the Safe Cloud Storage Act, was ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute by the Committee on the Judiciary. The measure addresses legal requirements and protections for cloud storage.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Super Bowl prepares for potential AI cybersecurity threat: Reuters reports NFL-facing risks as AI-based cyber threats challenge large event security protocols.
• Move Fast, but Obey the Rules: China’s Vision for Dominating A.I.: The New York Times examines how China's regulatory strategy shapes its pursuit of AI industry leadership.
• Why Big Tech Is Throwing Cash Into India in Quest for AI Supremacy: WSJ analyzes tech firms investing heavily in India as global AI competition intensifies.
• US Justice Department casts wide net on Netflix's business practices in merger probe, WSJ reports: Reuters covers DOJ expanding its antitrust review of Netflix, focusing on streaming and telecom merger practices.
• With AI accountability stalling, boards must push tech giants for greater transparency: Reuters discusses industry concerns as corporate boards pressure tech leaders to improve accountability in AI systems.
• Tech News | Today's Latest Technology News: Reuters aggregates major technology developments, including regulatory actions and cybersecurity incidents updated on February 6.

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