What's on the agenda for policymakers.
Agenda
Times are Eastern Time.
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
9:45 am. Welcome to a Virtual Conference
10:00 am Paper Sessions (Click here for listing of Papers)
Sen Wyden's prospects for the 177th Congress: Privacy, Section 230, and Broadband
In an interview with Politico, Sen Ron Wyden (D-OR) describe his plans for the 117th Congress. Some highlights:
The Federal Communications Commission will host the discussion to provide an opportunity for FCC staff and interested parties to examine proposed actions the FCC should take to establish the program. The FCC is currently receiving comments regarding the program, and this roundtable will provide an additional opportunity to determine the best approach to leverage the funding to help close the digital divide.
Pressure builds on President Biden, Democrats to revive net neutrality rules
More than three years ago, Jessica Rosenworcel could only react in horror as her Republican counterparts on the Federal Communications Commission voted to repeal the US government’s net neutrality rules. Now, Acting FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel controls the very commission she once criticized for failing to heed the public’s outcry.
Lawmakers say the attack on the Capitol has generated more support for tougher regulation of social media companies
Many Democrats, as well as some Republicans, want to take on Big Tech with laws and regulations to address issues like market power, data privacy, and disinformation and hate speech. Those ambitions have only grown since the insurrection of Capitol Hill, with more members of Congress pointing to the power of the tech companies as the root cause of many problems. The growing talk of new federal laws adds to the industry’s many headaches. Facebook and Google are fighting federal and state regulators in court over allegations of anticompetitive conduct.
February Open Meeting Agenda
Federal Communications Commission Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced that the items below are tentatively on the agenda for the February Open Commission Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, February 17, 2021:
Commerce Department nominee advocates for Section 230 reform
Gov Gina Raimondo (D-RI), President Biden's nominee for Commerce Secretary, is pledging to use the tools at her disposal to pursue Section 230 reform, saying that she hopes to hold social media companies "accountable" for misinformation. "I would agree we need some reform on Section 230," said Gov Raimondo during her confirmation hearing in front of the Senate Commerce Committee.
Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel Remarks to FCC Staff
As difficult as it is, this pandemic has also demonstrated how important our work is at the Federal Communications Commission. Because as a nation we need connections—physical and digital—that strengthen our mutual bonds. We benefit from communications that reach all and help us work, learn, be informed, enlightened, and entertained. And we need connections that can break down barriers that for too long have held too many back. As if on cue, a new appropriations law has provided this agency with authority to help do just that.
The debate surrounding Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996 reached a fever pitch over the past year, with policymakers from both sides of the aisle—including former President Trump and President Biden—calling for change.
How can President Biden help rural America? Fix the internet
In his inaugural speech, President Joe Biden noted the various factions at odds with one another in America, including a rural and urban divide.