This Week in ICT & Cybersecurity — Washington (#40, 2026)
FCC receives reconsideration petition on resilient networks rules; USITC initiates vertical power delivery system investigation; FERC requests comment on updated CIP reliability standards; USITC amends semiconductor device complaint.
October 11, 2026 to October 17, 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 Receives Petition for Reconsideration on Network Disruption Rules
The Federal Communications Commission has published a petition for reconsideration in its ongoing rulemaking on network disruptions, submitted by Thomas Goode for the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions. The proceeding covers amendments to Part 4 regulations related to resilient networks, disruptions reporting, and new rules on communications interruptions. Stakeholders are required to file oppositions by October 29, 2026, with replies due November 9. The FCC clarified that no Congressional Review Act submission will be made, as the Commission is not currently adopting new rules. The petition is accessible via the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System, and parties involved may review the full documentation online. Contact is provided for Jeanne Stockman, Attorney Advisor with the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov

USITC Launches Investigation into AI and Cloud Computing Power Delivery Systems
The U.S. International Trade Commission has initiated a Section 337 investigation following a complaint from Vicor Corporation of Massachusetts regarding vertical power delivery systems and related components. The complaint alleges patent infringement involving hardware used in data center servers, AI platforms, and cloud computing systems, as well as processors such as AI accelerators and GPUs. Named respondents span entities in Taiwan, China, Germany, Canada, and the United States. Vicor requests both limited exclusion and cease-and-desist orders. Respondents are required to submit responses within 20 days of service. The Office of Unfair Import Investigations will not participate in this proceeding.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov
FERC Requests Comment on Update to CIP Reliability Standards
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has issued a request for comments regarding changes to the Critical Infrastructure Protection Reliability Standard CIP-015, reflecting movement from CIP-015-1 to CIP-015-2. The rule extension, under docket RD26-6-000, aims to expand internal network security monitoring to include electronic and physical access control systems outside the electronic security perimeter. NERC argues these revisions address potential security gaps and satisfy prior Commission directives. Stakeholder comments are due by December 14, 2026. Approximately 360 US entities will face increased paperwork requirements, with an estimated additional annual reporting burden of 30,240 hours and over $4 million in costs.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov
USITC Amends Semiconductor Device Complaint to Expand Patent Claims
The U.S. International Trade Commission decided not to review an initial determination permitting GlobalFoundries U.S. Inc. to amend its complaint and notice of investigation concerning certain semiconductor devices and components. The amendment, in Investigation No. 337-TA-1500, allows assertion of claims 8-12 and 19 of U.S. Patent No. 8,507,983, citing discovery of new information during the proceedings. The investigation names multiple respondents including Tower Semiconductor entities in Israel, Japan, Italy, and the United States. The ALJ found no prejudice to parties' rights and no adverse impact on public interest. The Commission voted to affirm the amendment on October 13, 2026.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week
- Europe leads the world on AI rules. So why is it missing from the AI safety debate?: The article reviews Europe's leadership in AI regulation amid current AI safety discussions.
- India to roll out data centre policy as concerns grow over power use: India plans a new data centre policy considering rising electricity consumption concerns.
- Poland urges internet firms to act on violent content after school stabbings: Poland calls on internet companies to address violent content following recent incidents.
- Ambani's Reliance breaks silence on Musk, says Jio awaits same clearances as Starlink: Reliance Jio states it is waiting for satellite clearances comparable to those granted to Starlink.
- Can Europe step in as Ukraine struggles with Starlink and US satellite data?: Europe faces challenges aiding Ukraine as it contends with Starlink and US satellite data limitations.
- Musk vows affordable Starlink in India days before Ambani's record Jio IPO: Elon Musk promises affordable Starlink service in India before Reliance Jio's IPO.
- Data Centers Become Targets in Wars in Ukraine, Russia and the Middle East: Data centers in Ukraine, Russia, and the Middle East are increasingly targeted in armed conflicts.
- Data centers may benefit from massive rural utility loan, US official says: A US official suggests rural utility loans could support growth in the data center industry.
- Opinion | Sometimes Government Is Innovative: Opinion piece discusses instances where government agencies have driven innovation.
- Opinion | Driver, Chatbot, Talking Bear: How Should We Interact With A.I.?: The article explores ways consumers engage with AI, from drivers to chatbots.