What's on the agenda for policymakers.
Agenda
Senate finishing crafting $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure proposal, including $65 billion for broadband
Senate Democrats and Republicans unveiled a roughly $1 trillion proposal to improve the country’s roads, bridges, pipes, ports and Internet connections, setting in motion a long-awaited debate in the chamber to enact one of President Biden’s economic policy priorities. The roughly 2,700-page piece of legislation, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, includes $65 billion to expand broadband Internet access nationwide and ensure those who do have connectivity can afford their monthly payments.
A gathering of talented and passionate students and early-career technologists from around the world to connect with one another, hear from expert speakers, learn new skills, and discover exciting opportunities.
The fourth annual Impact Summit will be held virtually August 12-14, 2021. All are invited to register and the event is completely free.
A conversation with North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper about his work to close the digital divide, including establishing the nation’s first statewide Office of Digital Equity and Literacy.
The interactive workshop will also include an update on federal action empowering states and communities to close the adoption gap and profiles of successful local digital equity initiatives.
Tom Curtin
National Governors Association
Angela Thi Bennett
DigitalC
House Commerce Republicans Announce Big Tech Accountability Agenda
Republican Representatives on the House Energy and Commerce Committee announced a comprehensive package of discussion draft bills to hold Big Tech accountable by improving transparency and content moderation accountability, reforming Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, promoting competition, and preventing illegal and harmful activity on their platforms. The members also released a Big Tech Accountability Platform, guided by four principles:
A live Q&A event on Instagram to share how libraries are planning to use the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF), a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program supporting digital equity efforts through libraries and schools nationwide.
A virtual webinar to provide additional information about the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) Program, on fcc.gov/live. Prior to, or during, this event, questions can be submitted by sending an email to ECFwebinar@fcc.gov
The webinar will highlight frequently asked questions about the ECF Program and application process. Participants will also have an opportunity to submit any additional questions they may have during, or in advance, of the event. The webinar will be recorded and available on the FCC’s website.
The event will feature remarks by Commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter and FTC Chief Technologist Erie Meyer, as well as presentations and discussions on a variety of privacy and data security research.
The event will be tweeted live from the FTC’s Twitter page (@FTC) using the hashtag #PrivacyCon21.
Conservative courts are an obstacle to Biden's antitrust agenda
The Biden administration's push to increase competition in the technology industry could be on a collision course with a formidable obstacle: the courts. As president, Donald Trump appointed 226 federal judges, leaving a huge mark on the judicial system, particularly appellate courts.
FCC Re-Establishes the Technological Advisory Council and Solicits Nominations for Membership
The Federal Communications Commission is re-establishing the Technological Advisory Council on or before August 20, 2021 for a period of two years, with an expected first meeting in October of 2021.The FCC seeks nominations for membership and a chairperson. The TAC provides technical advice to the Commission and makes recommendations on the issues and questions presented to it. Among other issues, Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel will ask the TAC to start looking beyond 5G and conceptualize 6G, to help set the stage for U.S. leadership.