Broadband Breakfast Club Exclusive Report
Navigating the Landscape of U.S. Data Privacy – May 2024
Read all Exclusive ReportsThe continued rise of social media, concerns of foreign data access concerns, and recent advances in technology have brought renewed focus to the ongoing debate over how best to protect personal information in an increasingly digital world.
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Texas Finalizes $1.3B Privacy Settlement With Google
Google violated state law by collecting users’ location, browsing, and biometric data, Texas' attorney general said.
Cruz Blocks Bill to Extend Privacy Protections Nationwide
The bill would prevent data brokers from selling or trading personal information of anyone located in the U.S.
FCC Data Breach Order Under Review, Agency Says
The telecom industry still wants a court decision upholding the rules overturned.
Rep. Guthrie: BEAD Money Needs to Flow
Guthrie considers Europe an example of over-regulation
Court Finds FCC Data Breach Rules Not Blocked by Congressional Review Act
Telecom industry groups had said the rules were too similar to ones Congress axed under the Congressional Review Act
Experts Warn Congress of ‘Surveillance Pricing’ Fueled by Lax Privacy Laws
Weak data privacy laws need to be strengthened, witnesses say
Judges Appear Skeptical of Fifth Circuit Decision Tossing AT&T Fine
The Second Circuit heard arguments in Verizon's challenge to a fine for the same conduct.
FCC Urges Judges Not to Follow Fifth Circuit in Striking Down Fines
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, previously critical of the penalties, defended them on Monday.
Verizon, T-Mobile: Fifth Circuit Was Right to Strike Down AT&T Fine
Both carriers are fighting multi-million dollar fines of their own.
FTC Sues Uber, Alleging it Signed up Subscribers Without Permission
'Americans are tired of getting signed up for unwanted subscriptions that seem impossible to cancel, said FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson.
Fifth Circuit Tosses $57 Million Fine Against AT&T
Judges said the agency's forfeiture process was invald under Jarkesy.
Judges Probe FCC’s $92 Million Fine Against T-Mobile
The company argued the fines were invalid under SEC v. Jarkesy.
Digital Privacy Advocate: States to Fill Gaps Left by FCC, Courts
EFF’s Rindala Alajaji sees states reining in Big Tech in 2025.
Judges Probe FCC’s $57 Million Fine Against AT&T
The company argued FCC fines were invalid under SEC v. Jarkesy
The Privacy-Location Paradox: A Technical Blueprint for 988 Georouting
How to balance the need to route calls to the most appropriate crisis center while protecting caller privacy.
Harris Accepts Democratic Nomination, Vows Support for Rule of Law and Common Sense
Artificial intelligence only tech or telecom issue mentioned by Harris in acceptance speech.
Broadband, CHIPS Act, Green Energy, Other Tech Issues in Democratic Platform
The platform links together investments in broadband infrastructure with policies promoting semiconductors and green energy.
Data Centers and the Environment
These vast, climate-controlled facilities, housing thousands of servers, support cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data-driven decision-making.
Green Energy and the Democrats
Just as crypto has emerged as a tech and infrastructure issue with a heavily Republican tilt, advanced energy may serve a similar role for Democrats.
Artificial Intelligence and Copyright
As AI technology adoption increases, legislators are looking at cracking down on copyright concerns.
In a Democratic vs. Republican Contest Over Broadband, Who Wins?
The idea behind 'Made in America' is to combine reindustrialization, national security, reviving left-behind places, cheering up blue-collar workers and reducing carbon emissions.
Crypto and Republicans: Navigating the Digital Currency Landscape
During the Trump era, GOP lawmakers emerged as vocal advocates for cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
Healthcare Leaders Call For Privacy Legislation
Measures should be taken to protect patients seeking to use mobile devices to receive healthcare.
Understanding 'Junk Fees' in Broadband
President Joe Biden has made attacking 'junk fees' a key focus of his administration.
Challenges of Broadband Infrastructure Deployment
Rights of way, pole attachments, environmental permitting and other hurdles to broadband infrastructure deployment.
Trade Groups Big and Small Ask Sixth Circuit to Toss FCC’s Data Breach Rules
Associations representing smaller providers filed a brief supporting a challenge by larger groups.
The Smart City Blueprint for Urban Innovation
At play in Smart Cities: Data collection, smart infrastructure, IoT, communications technologies, regulations and more.
Unraveling the Complexities of Net Neutrality
Top controversies include 5G network slicing, paid prioritizing and exempting broadband providers from Universal Service Fund contributions.
Industry and Public Interest Groups Disagree on Preempting FCC Data Privacy Authority
Industry groups want a federal privacy law to hand all authority over to the FTC.
New Senate and House Support for Children’s Online Privacy Legislation
Last week, the chairs of the House and Senate Commerce committees unveiled a draft of federal data privacy legislation.
Legislators Release Draft Data Privacy Law
The measure would hand enforcement to the FTC, but would leave in place data breach rules the FCC adopted in December.
The Challenge of Spectrum Sharing
At the center of the battle over the airwaves in the United States is the question of spectrum sharing.
The Policy and Law Behind 'Rip and Replace'
The policy and law surrounding the program to remove Chinese telecommunications equipment from U.S. networks.
The FCC's Digital Discrimination Rules
The controversies and details surrounding the FCC's rules to prevent and eliminate digital discrimination.
CES 2024: Industry Wants Federal Data Privacy Law
The current patchwork of state laws makes compliance difficult, said representatives from T-Mobile and Meta.
A Hidden Issue Potentially Impacting BEAD Implementation: Pole Attachments
Problems accessing poles could delay fiber builds funded by the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program.
A Deep Dive into the BEAD Program’s Matching Funds
Will the program’s matching funds requirement stretch federal dollars, or hinder smalller providers?
Rep. Suzan DelBene: Want Protection From AI? The First Step Is a National Privacy Law
A national privacy standard would ensure a baseline set of protections and would restrict companies from storing and selling personal data.
Precursors to BEAD Implementation: A Deep Dive Into Prior Broadband Programs
How will prior broadband programs impact BEAD Implementation?
A Deep Dive into Allocations Under the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program
What’s next for BEAD implementation?
Senator Calls for Global Cooperation on Artificial Intelligence Regulation to Compete with China
Warner warned China has a head-start on AI regulation.
Impacts of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022
When President Biden talks about his economic program, the CHIPS Act is the star of the show.
Experts Debate TikTok Ban, Weighing National Security Against Free Speech
Although many experts agree TikTok poses a threat, some believe a ban is the wrong solution.
Revisiting the NTIA's Middle Program Ahead of Funding Announcements
The NTIA is on the cusp of announcing the award winners to the states by June 30, 2023.
Congress Considers Regulating Data Brokers Amid Broader Push for Privacy Legislation
The $200 billion industry specifically targets children and other vulnerable populations, experts said.
Experts Call for Multisector Collaboration to Fight Digital Fragmentation and Build Public Trust
Significant regulatory discrepancies disrupt global businesses, restrict cross-border data flow and limit user choice.
NTIA Seeks AI Insight, Legislative Tracking Maps, Florida’s $22M for Broadband
The NTIA is seeking comment in light of the quickly growing potential of generative AI chatbot technology.
Green Energy Provisions Meet Smart Grid and Broadband Infrastructure
Advances for the green economy in the Inflation Reduction Act rely upon smart grid infrastructure.
Children’s Online Safety Bills Criticized for Compliance Burden, Plus Speech and Privacy Risks
States are considering measures ranging from age verification to a “duty of care.”
Preview the Start of Broadband Breakfast’s Big Tech & Speech Summit
Watch the start of the Big Tech & Speech Summit from March 9. Sign up for full webcast.
Experts Clash Over Federal Preemption and State Laws on Privacy
Should a federal privacy law pre-empt state laws?
Panelists Recommend More Concentrated Focus on Federal Privacy Legislation
The federal parties have opposite aims as to what to do about Section 230.
Content Moderation, Section 230 and the Future of Online Speech
Our comprehensive report examines the extremely timely issue of content moderation and Section 230 from multiple angles.
Smaller Companies Facing Cybersecurity Insurance Headwinds: Equifax Executive
Cost of insurance for cybersecurity could be a problem for smaller companies.
New Congress Faces Key Decisions About Broadband Funding, Infrastructure Priorities and Privacy Law
Broadband access and privacy policies present opportunities for bipartisan collaboration, Broadband Breakfast panelists agreed.
What to Know About Build America, Buy America Provisions in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Will providers be required to use equipment that is not readily available within the United States?
Broadband Breakfast Preview Session for Big Tech & Speech Summit on March 9
Summit moderators will set the stage for timely discussions on content moderation, privacy and competition.
Industry Leaders Urge Biden to Tread Lightly With Federal Privacy Legislation
While generally supportive of a federal privacy law, some experts warned it could harm competition.
Luke Lintz: The Dark Side of Banning TikTok on College Campuses
Campus TikTok bans could have negative consequences for students.
Metaverse Technologies Could Present Unprecedented Risk to Children’s Digital Privacy
Existing digital privacy concerns are amplified in an environment designed to fully immerse users.
Businesses Should Prepare for More State-Specific Privacy Laws, Attorneys Say
“The privacy landscape in the U.S. is likely to become more complicated before it gets any easier.”
What You Need to Know About the FCC’s Maps and the Challenge Process
The Broadband Breakfast Report for January 2023 lays out the things to know about the challenge process.
CES 2023: Federal Privacy Standard Needed for Consumer Protection
Federal regulation is needed since companies often renege on voluntarily accepted agreements, argued Public Knowledge head.
As States Take Action Against TikTok, Major Privacy Legislation Seems Unlikely
Californians’ opposition to the ADPPA’s preemption provision may be the end of the comprehensive bipartisan privacy bill.
The 12 Days of Broadband (2022 Edition)
Broadband Breakfast presents the first of its annual '12 Days of Broadband' series about the top 12 stories of the year.
Broadband Breakfast on December 7, 2022 – What to Expect from Congress on Social Media and Privacy Regulation
How will the 118th Congress respond to concerns about social media and data privacy?
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New Unilateral American-E.U. Data Privacy Framework a Step in the Right Direction, Says Panel
‘This is a very important step,’ said Christopher Kuner, co-director of the Brussels Privacy Hub.
In Video Session, Christopher Mitchell Digs Into Community Ownership and Open Access Networks
The conversation dealt with open access networks, and whether cities are well-suited to play a role in developing them.
FCC Proposal for Robotexts, FCC Mapping Problems, TikTok’s Preliminary Deal
The FCC is looking to adapt its robocall methods for texts.
Led by Wyden, Democrats Call on NTIA to Reform Privacy Standards for .US Domains
The Democratic legislator called on NTIA end the automatic disclosure of .US web domain users’ personal information.
EU’s Digital Services Act May Be a Model for the United States
The Digital Services Act imposes transparency requirements and other accountability measures for tech platforms.
FTC Forum Hears Evidence that U.S. Should Follow European Union Privacy Model
The agency is proposing to use its own authority to regulate tech platforms for their ‘commercial surveillance’.
FCC Committee Approves Broader Adoption of Best Practices to Block Unwanted Texts
The committee wants wider use of opt-out from certain text messages.
Federal Government Must Collect More Granular Data on Minorities to Aid in Initiatives
Discussion on the “data gap” comes as the nation tries to connect the unserved and underserved.
Advocacy Groups Applaud FCC Releasing Mobile Data Collection Information
‘These letters show that…carrier geolocation data practices are all over the map.’
Tech Policy Conference Panelists Tackle Challenges of Federal Privacy, Antitrust Laws
Academics were concerned about an anti-preference bill, while one state AG said he’s ‘pragmatic’ about a federal privacy law.
Online Protections for Children Bill Passes Committee Despite Concern over FTC Authority
Opposition to a reformed COPPA include the ability of the FTC to enact broad rule-making.
Positive and Negative Responses to Committee’s Action on American Data Privacy and Protection Act
The American Data Privacy and Protection Act cleared committee 53-2, with pushback from California legislators.
NTIA Head Says Agency Supports National Data Privacy Law
‘It is time to act,’ Alan Davidson said at an event Thursday.
Comprehensive Data Privacy Bill Faces Markup in Committee
The American Data Privacy and Protection Act said to be years in the making.
Surveillance Capitalism a Symptom of Web-Dependent Companies, Not Ownership
Former Google executive Richard Whitt critiqued Ben Tarnoff’s argument in ‘Internet for the People’ during Gigabit Libraries discussion.
Experts Wrangle Over Whether Online Children Protection Legislation Needs Overhaul
‘We can’t keep overhauling the regulatory structure.’
Expand Online Protections for 17-Year-Olds in Draft Federal Privacy Law, Committee Urged
The draft privacy law includes a provision to enhance privacy protections online for children under 17.
Draft of Bipartisan ‘Years-in-the-Making’ Privacy Bill Released
The bill is bipartisan, and a joint effort between the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Senate Commerce Committee.
Conservative Think Tank says FTC Should Be Sole Federal Privacy Regulator
‘The key to striking the right balance lies in ‘guided FTC rulemaking’ in a federal law, echoed by privacy experts and private sector companies alike.’
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser Takes Aim at Big Tech and Big Telecom
What should state leaders be doing to procure a safer, healthier information environment?
Lawmakers, FCC Take More Action Against Illegal Robocallers
There are new proposed rules that offer legal protections to those aiding in enforcement efforts against illegal robocalls.
Federal Privacy Legislation Needed As State Legislation Could Harm Smaller Players, Event Hears
Different state privacy laws stifle competition and places burdens on small companies, experts say.
Comedian Blackmails Legislators, Musk Snubs Twitter, Render Networks Connects 1 million Premises
Comedian John Oliver wants the federal government to work on federal privacy legislation.
With More States Passing Privacy Legislation, Pressure for Federal Preemption Law Grows
Emerging state-level privacy bills have common threads with existing ones in California, Colorado and Virginia.
Senator Markey Pleased with Pressure on Companies to Protect Children Online
Senator Edward Markey has been a proponent of increasing the age group in child privacy laws for years.
Committee Hears Search Engine Maintains Profit While Limiting Targeted Advertising
DuckDuckGo argued that its contextual ads are effective and not intrusive.
U.S. Losing Ground on Making Global Privacy Mark Without Federal Rules
The EU has sweeping privacy rules in place that could further influence global companies, as U.S. still without unified legislation.
Experts Warn Against Private Right to Action Laws on Data Privacy Day
If laws are robust enough and enforcement agencies are well-resourced, states should avoid implementing right to privacy action legislation.
Federal Communications Commissioner Starks Seeks to Encourage Democratic Principles Online
The commissioner noted the peril democracy and citizen privacy finds themselves in around the world.
Accountability is First Step to Ensuring Data Privacy, Protecting Human Rights, Expert Says
Jessica Dheere said surveillance-based business models are negatively impacting consumers’ digital rights.
‘The Time for Self-Regulation is Over’: House Committee Member Wants Action on Big Tech
And the CEO of the Anti-Defamation League calls for Section 230 reform.
Colorado and Virginia Lead In Consumer Privacy Legislation, Still Need Federal Law, Conference Hears
Both states join California as the only ones with comprehensive privacy laws, but experts say a federal bill should fill the regulatory void.
Federal Trade Commission Should Make Privacy Rules Against ISP Data Collection, Experts Say
To protect consumers in the digital revolution, experts say serious federal action on privacy can lead the way.
