Briefs
Illinois Moves Forward on BEAD as Federal Overhaul Looms
Ports commission urges Congress not to stall broadband rollout, as state launches second funding round
Antitrust Division
Klobuchar Leads Effort to Ban Algorithmic Price Fixing
Bill attacks algorithms designed to raise prices and limit competition
Privacy
Congress Considers Regulating Data Brokers Amid Broader Push for Privacy Legislation
The $200 billion industry specifically targets children and other vulnerable populations, experts said.
Social Media
Bipartisan Alarm Over Social Media’s Harms to Children Prompts Slew of Proposed Legislation
Bills ranged from addressing intermediary liability to limiting personal data collection.
Coalition Voices Dissent on Antitrust Bills, NYC Communities to Receive Free Broadband, Tesla Stock Takes Hit in Twitter Wake
Letter claims antitrust bills would cost the economy $319 billion.
China
Jason Boyce: Washington Cannot Let Amazon Water Down Consumer Protection Legislation
It is in Amazon’s interest to twist the arm of lawmakers and prevent protections against internet scams.
Section 230
Senate Judiciary Committee Teases, and Then Pulls, Bills Dramatically Narrowing Section 230 Protections
January 2, 2021 — When the Senate reconvenes on Sunday at 11:45 a.m., the body will gavel in for the first session of the 117th Congress. All bills not passed as of Friday, January 1, 2021 – the last day Congress was in session – will die. One of those bills is the Eliminating Abusive […]
Coronavirus Roundup: Senators Tackle Children’s Online Privacy, Facebook Removes Conspiracy Theories, Broadband in Rural New Hampshire
May 11, 2020 — A bipartisan group of senators on Friday urged the Federal Trade Commission to launch an investigation into children’s data practices in the educational technology and digital advertising sectors. Sens. Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., Josh Hawley, R-Mo., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Bill C
Senate Judiciary
Sen. Josh Hawley Excoriates Absent Apple and TikTok Executives at Another Hearing Bashing Big Tech
WASHINGTON, March 8, 2020 — “The American public deserves to know” about ethically questionable business practices conducted by Apple and TikTok, asserted Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Missouri, at a Wednesday Senate Judiciary subcommittee hearing on big tech and China. Apple and TikTok representatives were n
Privacy
Lawmakers, Prosecutors and Big Tech Companies Spar at Senate Hearing Over Unlocking Encryption
WASHINGTON, December 11, 2019 – Lawmakers remain concerned about law enforcement’s inability to access highly encrypted devices for investigations. Tuesday’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing questioned some representatives from big tech on the matter. This isn’t going to be a world where social me
NTIA
Trade Groups Urge Senate to Fully Fund Broadband
WASHINGTON July 15, 2010- The National Association of Telecommunications and Advisors (NATOA) and the National Association of Counties have sent a letter to Senators Reid, Durbin, Inouye, Rockefeller and Kerry urging them to prevent the House from rescinding broadband funding.
Broadband Mapping and Data
Sen. Durbin Joins Lawmakers Cheering On State Broadband Grants
WASHINGTON, December 29, 2009 – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin, D-Ill., last week joined the bandwagon of lawmakers voicing support for the government grants currently being awarded to support broadband deployment and map broadband penetration across the country.
