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.

Dates: 2026-02-08 to 2026-02-14

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

FCC Reviews Information Collection Requirements for Submarine Cable Systems

The Federal Communications Commission is reviewing information collections under the Paperwork Reduction Act in relation to submarine cable systems and annual circuit capacity reports. The new revisions impact OMB Control Numbers 3060-0944 and 3060-1156. Submarine cables carry almost all global internet traffic, and the FCC has updated rules to clarify cable landing license requirements, modernize definitions, and add measures addressing national security threats. New application forms and reporting requirements include cybersecurity and physical security certifications; compliance provisions now permit data sharing with other agencies. Estimated annual burdens are 14,180 hours and $4.35 million for submarine cable operators, and 2,793 hours and $12,000 for circuit capacity report filers.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

CIRCIA Rulemaking: DHS Announces Cyber Incident Reporting Town Hall Meetings

The Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency will conduct several virtual town hall meetings in March for stakeholders to provide input on the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (CIRCIA) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. The town halls cover sector-specific and general sessions, addressing the scope and burden of reporting requirements for cyber incidents and ransom payments. CISA requests actionable feedback on size and sector criteria, alternative approaches, incident examples, reporting content, and regulatory harmonization with state and federal laws. These meetings provide a final opportunity for input as CISA finalizes rulemaking; transcripts will be publicly available in the docket.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Proposed Rules on Direct Access to VoIP Numbering

The FCC has released a Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking concerning direct access to numbering resources by interconnected VoIP providers. The proposals are intended to strengthen safeguards against illegal robocalling and national security risks, including potentially restricting VoIP numbering authorizations for entities on the Covered List or with covered equipment. The Commission seeks comment on alternatives for number reclamation and operational processes, impacts on small entities, reporting requirements, and technological transition issues. The Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis details estimated impacts across telecommunications provider classes, with a particular focus on compliance burdens for small entities.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

US-India Historic Trade Deal Announced

The United States and India have agreed to a new framework to enhance reciprocal trade and address systemic imbalances. The US will remove a 25% tariff on Indian imports, and India will halt Russian oil purchases. India is committing to purchase over $500 billion in US goods, reduce tariffs on key products, and remove digital services taxes. Both sides are set to negotiate further rules of origin, strengthen supply chain resilience, and expand trade in technology. The deal is poised to support bilateral digital trade and technology flows.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Presidential Message on Career and Technical Education Initiatives

The Presidential Message on Career and Technical Education Month outlines administration efforts to expand career and technical workforce development, targeting economic growth in advanced and emerging technologies. Key actions include realignment of federal priorities under a new Executive Order, Workforce Pell Grants for in-demand fields, and the release of America’s Talent Strategy to align education with workforce needs. AI education, expanded apprenticeships, and financial literacy programs are also advanced, with a goal of one million active apprenticeship participants.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Legislative Updates

Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025

The Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025 (Bill 261) advanced in the House and has been received in the Senate. The bill, focused on public lands and natural resources, is now referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The legislation seeks to establish new legal protections and frameworks for undersea cable infrastructure, relevant to international communications and cybersecurity resilience.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Want to Cut Monthly Costs? Start With Your Internet and Streaming Bills.: Consumers are reviewing internet and streaming bills to manage household expenses.
• Microsoft, Ericsson lead global tech alliance for digital trust: Major tech companies launched an alliance to strengthen digital trust standards worldwide.
• Singapore says cyber espionage group targeted telco infrastructure: Singapore's regulators reported cyber espionage targeting telecommunications infrastructure.
• White House eyes data center agreements amid energy price spikes: Administration is considering new data center agreements in response to energy price volatility.
• White House eyes data center agreements: Discussions ongoing about federal strategy for data center infrastructure.
• Exclusive: Trump pauses China tech bans ahead of Xi summit: The US administration has paused certain technology bans on China prior to the Xi summit.
• Coming this week: The AI & Election Tech Forecast Series: Upcoming newsletter series will explore AI's role in election technologies.

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