What's on the agenda for policymakers.
Agenda
An interactive webinar examining how new technologies are shaping the economy, society and education in what is called the Fourth Industrial Revolution. During the hourlong interactive discussion, participants will hear from education leaders about the ongoing technological transformation and its impact.
Presenters
The hearing will examine the steps social media platforms are taking to combat the spread of extremist propaganda over the Internet.
Witnesses:
- Ms. Monika Bickert, Head of Global Policy Management, Facebook
- Ms. Juniper Downs, Global Head of Public Policy and Government Relations, YouTube
- Mr. Carlos Monje, Director, Public Policy and Philanthropy, Twitter
House Commerce Committee Republicans Lay Out Principles for Broadband Infrastructure
The House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, chaired by Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), introduced a series of resolutions laying out principles for broadband infrastructure:
FCC Announces Vacancies in Membership of Intergovernmental Advisory Committee and Seeks Nominees
The Federal Communications Commission has expanded the membership of the Intergovernmental Advisory Committee (IAC) from 15 members to 30 members. By this Public Notice, the FCC seeks applications for membership to the IAC from local, state and Tribal government officials to fill the 15 new positions and also announces three additional vacancies in the existing IAC membership.
On Net Neutrality, Thune Can't Read the Writing on the Wall ... or in His Local Newspaper
Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune (R-SD) that the average voter isn’t likely to be swayed by the fight to restore Net Neutrality protections. But when it comes to the wave of support for Net Neutrality, Chairman Thune is misreading the writing on the wall ... if he’s reading at all. The senator certainly hasn’t been listening to his constituents in South Dakota, who have joined others across the country to write dozens of letters to the editors of local newspapers urging elected officials to support Net Neutrality, or else. “Senators, have you polled us?
US vs. AT&T: A Court Fight Over the Future of TV
Early signs suggest the legal fight over AT&T’s $85 billion Time Warner takeover will focus heavily on the small screen, drawing much of its evidence from the companies’ video rivals. Those competitors argue the telecom company will use Time Warner’s entertainment assets against them.
Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Thune Hopes Republicans Stay Away From Net Neutrality CRA
Senate Commerce Chairman John Thune (R-SD) said he’s “hopeful” Republicans steer clear of the Congressional Review Act resolution to reverse the Federal Communications Commission’s repeal of net neutrality rules. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) became the first GOP lawmaker to support the measure from Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA), and Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) has indicated that he’s considering the proposal.
Surveillance and Privacy Debate Reaches Pivotal Moment in Congress
A yearslong debate over National Security Agency surveillance and protections for Americans’ privacy rights will reach a climactic moment on Jan 11 as the House of Representatives takes up legislation to extend a program of warrantless spying on internet and phone networks that traces back to the Sept.
Defining Success in the FCC's Connect America Fund Phase II Auction
[Commentary] If some areas end up with no winning bidder, does that mean the Federal Communications Commission's Connect America Fund Phase II auction is a failure? The answer is “No!” The FCC will need to look at the results of the Phase II auction to evaluate how universal service auctions are different in practice from spectrum auctions, and adjust accordingly, as necessary.
Just as broadband access plays a critical role in our lives, access to broadband has become critically essential in community development—education and workforce development, health, housing, small business development and access to financial services. The ability to access the internet is an important tool for workers to use to find and keep jobs in both urban and rural markets. Broadband access lags in many population segments, including low-income and rural communities.