Press Release

The Federal Trade Commission filed an administrative complaint against data analytics company Cambridge Analytica, and filed settlements for public comment with Cambridge Analytica’s former chief executive and an app developer who worked with the company, alleging they employed deceptive tactics to harvest personal information from tens of millions of Facebook users for voter profiling and targeting.

The Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division is reviewing whether and how market-leading online platforms have achieved market power and are engaging in practices that have reduced competition, stifled innovation, or otherwise harmed consumers. The Department’s review will consider the widespread concerns that consumers, businesses, and entrepreneurs have expressed about search, social media, and some retail services online.

Commissioner Geoffrey Starks announced the appointment of Alisa Valentin as his Special Advisor. “I’m excited that Alisa is joining my team. She brings a strong background of leadership on the issue of internet inequality and, as a native of South Georgia, has personal experience with the impact of the digital divide on rural Americans, particularly in communities of color. I look forward to benefiting from her insights and working with her in the days ahead.”

By this Public Notice, the Federal Communications Commission announces the topics and chairs of the six working groups that will assist the Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council (CSRIC) VII. 

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai announced that he has presented his colleagues with two new proposals to modernize and streamline the agency’s processes. Under the first, the FCC would continue the agency’s move toward electronic filing and correspondence by fully transitioning the Universal Licensing System—the agency’s largest licensing system—from paper to electronic format.  The second proposal would expedite the Commission’s hearing processes by expanding the use of written hearings (i.e. hearings conducted without live testimony).

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation announced a commitment of nearly $50 million in research to better understand how technology is transforming our democracy and the way we receive and engage with information.

Gov Ralph Northam (D-VA) grew up on electric cooperative lines and lauds their record of “reliable and efficient energy service.” But at a historic church surrounded by woods in the state’s rural center, he recognized co-ops’ latest role: broadband provider to the underserved. Co-ops “absolutely” have a role in his administration’s goal of connecting every VA resident to highspeed internet access, he said.

The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) organized a coalition letter to Sens Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), urging them to work with consumer and privacy groups in the newly formed Senate Judiciary tech task force. July 18, Sen Blackburn held a closed-door session with representatives from tech companies, including Snap and Mozilla.

Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carr thanked Jamie Susskind for her years of public service on her departure from the FCC. Susskind served as Commissioner Carr’s Chief of Staff and Legal Advisor for wireline and consumer issues. Prior to joining Commissioner Carr’s Office, Susskind served in senior roles on Capitol Hill, including as Chief Counsel to Sen Deb Fischer (R-NE) and on the staff of the Senate Commerce Committee under the leadership of then-Chairman John Thune (R-SD).

In light of continued rapid changes in technology, the Federal Trade Commission is seeking comment on the effectiveness of the amendments the agency made to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA Rule) in 2013 and whether additional changes are needed.