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☆ Florida threatens TV stations over abortion rights ad. FCC calls it ‘dangerous’
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-08 | by ( Brian Stelter | Liam Reilly | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

The Florida Department of Health, however, cited local statutes in the cease-and-desist letters sent last week to WCJB in Gainesville and WFLA in Tampa. The threat from the health department underscores the intensity of the political battle over Amendment 4, a ballot measure that would enshrine abortion rights in Florida’s constitution. The cease-and-desist letters from John Wilson, general counsel for the state health department, appear to be part of that campaign. The health department did not immediately respond to CNN’s request for comment about the FCC rebuke. The local stations did not respond to requests for comment, but both stations continued to air the ads on Tuesday.

Persons: Ron DeSantis, Jessica Rosenworcel, ” Rosenworcel, DeSantis, John Wilson, Jason Garcia, Wilson, Caroline, ” Organizations: CNN, Florida’s Department of Health, Gov, Republican, Democratic, Federal Communications Commission, FCC, Florida Department of Health, Orlando Locations: Gainesville, WFLA, Tampa, Florida’s, Florida

☆ For white-collar prisoners who just can't disconnect, $3,000 contraband cellphones can literally fall from the sky
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-08 | by ( Laura Italiano | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

White-collar criminals who can't disconnect are spending thousands of dollars on prison cellphones. Contraband phones go for $1,000 or as little as a few hundred dollars, depending on supply, at minimum-security camps, the so-called Club Feds. The stakes are particularly high for Wilson; his office continues to prosecute a violent, 90-defendant drug ring run by imprisoned people using contraband cellphones. The bureau urges Congress to pass the Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act, which would upgrade the charge of smuggling contraband cellphones into a Federal prison from a misdemeanor offense to a felony, Murphy said. White-collar criminals tend to put their contraband phones to more benign uses.

Persons: —, Craig Roth, Joseph Degregorio, Degregorio, it's, Justin Paperny, Paperny, Martha Stewart, Scotty Carper, Carper, Ron Kuby, Norm Pattis, Alex Jones, Pattis, Alan Wilson, Wilson, Donald Murphy, Osvaldo Albarati, Murphy, Christopher Carr, hadn't, Rothfeld, I've Organizations: Service, Devens, National Institute of Justice, Fed, FCC Devens, Feds, Federal Communications, of Prisons, FCC, South Carolina, AGs, Prisons, Georgia's AG Locations: New Jersey, Devens , Massachusetts, Lewisberg, Pennsylvania, Alderson , West Virginia, Leavenworth , Kansas, Sacramento , California, Leavenworth, Manhattan, Georgia

Some of the victims of Hurricane Helene are cut off from the outside world. Two local television stations and two FM radio stations are also out of service in North Carolina, the FCC said. Internet providers often have disaster contingency plans, such as keeping backup generators and fuel on hand to keep service going during power outages. Companies that track internet connectivity say much of western North Carolina’s broadband internet speeds are slow and, in some areas, nonexistent. NetBlocks, a U.K. company built to track global internet censorship, said some cities and towns in the area expect severe to full broadband outages.

Persons: Hurricane Helene, Edward Hinson, we’re, ”, Helene ., Mitchell, Hinson, “, Isik Mater, Doug Madory, Dee Davis, Davis Organizations: NBC News, Federal Communications Commission, FCC, Companies, Asheville, Rural Locations: Hurricane, North Carolina, Avery, Yancey, North, U.K, Waynesville, Hendersonvile, Asheville, Kentucky, Tennessee, America

☆ Audacy completes its financial restructuring and now plans to go private
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-30 | by ( Liam Reilly | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —Radio network Audacy on Monday shared that it completed its financial restructuring, successfully reducing its approximately $1.9 billion of funded debt by 80%, to $350 million. The radio giant had filed when it disclosed it was entering a restructuring agreement to reduce debt. Audacy is the second largest radio company in the United States behind iHeartMedia and ahead of Cumulus. Audacy, an internet radio conglomerate, operates hundreds of music, news and sports radio stations. The company, founded in 1968 as Entercom Communications, merged with CBS Radio in 2017, before rebranding as Audacy in 2021.

Persons: David Field, Audacy, ”, strongmen Soros, Soros, Rupert Murdoch, ” Soros, Ajit Pai, Donald Trump, George Soros, Chip Roy, ” Roy, Sen, Ted Cruz, Jessica Rosenworcel, Elon Musk’s, ” “ Soros, “ George soros, ” It’s Organizations: CNN — Radio, “, Bloomberg, Fund Management, FCC, Soros Fund Management, Soros, Democratic, Open Society, New York Post, Cumulus Media, iHeartMedia, Cumulus, CNN, Republican, Rothschilds, fcc, Entercom Communications, CBS Radio Locations: Philadelphia, Hungarian, United States, Texas, U.S

☆ Many 988 callers will now get help based on where they are, not their phone’s area code
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-25 | by ( Deidre Mcphillips | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Before this change, 988 callers were routed to a call center based on their area code rather than physical location. Next month, the Federal Communications Commission will vote on a rule that would require all wireless carriers in the US to implement georouting for 988 calls. “In times of crisis, every minute matters – especially when seeking help for yourself or a loved one in need of mental health support. The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and comprises over 200 local crisis centers across the country. “No more 988 calls and messages will be needlessly sent to crisis centers hundreds of miles away,” Rosenworcel said.

Persons: “, ” Miriam E, Jessica Rosenworcel, SAMHSA, Dr, Sanjay Gupta, Rosenworcel, ” Rosenworcel, “ I’m, ” CNN’s Jacqueline Howard, Mira Cheng Organizations: CNN, US Department of Health, Human Services, Federal, Mental Health Services Administration, Verizon, Mobile, Federal Communications Commission, Lifeline, Prevention, CNN Health, National Alliance, Mental, FCC, HHS Locations: Los Angeles, New York

DirecTV and Disney have reached a deal that brings Disney’s ESPN and other channels back to the pay-tv provider’s customers after a roughly two week blackout. On Saturday, DirecTV and Disney said they reached a deal that called for “market based terms” on pricing. DirecTV will be able to offer Disney’s streaming services in its packages and a la carte, the company said in a release Saturday. The amount of customers DirecTV lost during the dispute was not “immaterial,” said DirecTV Chief Marketing Officer Vince Torres at Goldman Sachs’ Communacopia & Technology Conference on Thursday. DirecTV offered its customers a $30 credit, financed by stopping payments to Disney as soon as the blackout began, Torres said.

Persons: Disney, DirecTV’s, Jimmy Pitaro, “, It’s, ESPN’s Pitaro, ”, Vince Torres, Goldman Sachs, Torres, Venu, DirectTV, ESPN — Organizations: DirecTV, Disney, ESPN, ABC, SEC Network, ACC Network, CNBC, U.S ., Hulu, Charter Communications, Technology Conference, Antitrust, Warner Bros, Discovery, Fox Corp, Federal Communications Commission, FCC

Disney's networks went dark on Sept. 1 after the two sides could not agree to terms on fees and bundle structures. DirecTV called Disney anti-consumer, and ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro called the responses DirecTV made to Disney's package offers "basically hypotheticals." The amount of customers DirecTV lost during the dispute was not "immaterial," said DirecTV Chief Marketing Officer Vince Torres at Goldman Sachs' Communacopia & Technology Conference on Thursday. DirecTV offered its customers a $30 credit, financed by stopping payments to Disney as soon as the blackout began, Torres said. This was the second dispute in a year that left pay TV customers without Disney's networks.

Persons: Disney, DirecTV's, Jimmy Pitaro, It's, ESPN's Pitaro, Vince Torres, Goldman Sachs, Torres, Venu, DirectTV, ESPN — Organizations: Clemson Tigers, season's, Clemson, NCAA Division, DirecTV, Disney, ESPN, U.S ., Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles, CNBC, & Technology Conference, ABC, Antitrust, Warner Bros, Discovery, Fox Corp, Federal Communications Commission, FCC, Charter Communications

☆ 67 million watched first Harris-Trump debate, blowing past Biden matchup
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-11 | by ( Hadas Gold | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

New York CNN —The first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump drew an estimated 67.1 million viewers across 17 television networks, according to Nielsen data. In 2016, a record 84 million tuned in to the first debate between Hillary Clinton and Trump. While fewer Americans watched the debate on television than in previous election years, millions more watched on digital platforms. ABC said the telecast the most-watched debate on any network in at least 16 years and that more than 7 million watched on the various Disney-owned streaming platforms. Hours before the debate, ABC offered to provide DirecTV a free feed of the telecast for a three-hour period.

Persons: Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, Joe Biden, Harris, David Muir, Linsey Davis, Trump, Hillary Clinton, Nielsen, Muir, Davis, “ Organizations: New, New York CNN, Nielsen, ABC News, CNN, Trump, Democratic, Biden, ABC, NBC, Fox News, Disney, FCC, DirecTV, ESPN, FX Locations: New York, Philadelphia

☆ Trump suggests he won’t debate Harris again, attacks ABC over moderators’ fact-checking
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-11 | by ( Brian Stelter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

The Harris campaign, exuding confidence after Harris baited Trump on stage Tuesday night, immediately said she would agree to a second debate with the ex-president. “When you win the debate, I don’t, I don’t know that I want to do another debate,” Trump said in a phone interview Wednesday morning on Fox News. Speaking with the hosts of “Fox & Friends,” Trump insulted Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum, the two anchors that Fox has pitched as potential debate moderators in October. The Harris campaign, however, wants the vice presidential debate between Tim Walz and JD Vance to happen next. Trump on Wednesday also assailed ABC after the debate moderators fact-checked the former president in real-time during the prime time Philadelphia matchup.

Persons: Kamala Harris, Donald Trump’s, Trump, Harris, ” Trump, Bret Baier, Martha MacCallum, “, Bret, Martha, ”, Sean Hannity, Jesse Watters, Laura Ingraham, Jason Miller, ” Miller, Tim Walz, JD Vance, Brian Fallon, – Organizations: New, New York CNN, Fox News, “ Fox & Friends, Fox, don’t, Trump, CNN, NBC, CBS, ” NBC, ABC, “ CNN, Disney, FCC Locations: New York, Philadelphia

But broadband companies have been focused on transitioning their customers to other affordable options to help them make up the expired discount, according to the companies’ earnings calls. In the wake of the ACP’s expiration, broadband companies have reported losing some customers. While broadband providers were generally supportive of the ACP, many in the industry believed the subsidy benefitted too wide a swath of U.S. households. During the second quarter, Charter reported a loss of 149,000 internet customers, while Comcast reported a decline of 120,000 broadband customers. Charter has tried to retain its low-income consumer base by rolling out new savings deals like offering ACP customers a free unlimited mobile line for one year.

Persons: ’, ”, Craig Moffett, “, Blair Levin, Mike Carey, Nikki Budzinski, GOP Sen, JD Vance, Ohio, Donald Trump’s, Vance quieted, ” Gigi Sohn, Joe Biden, Sohn, Wall, they’re, ” Sohn, ” Carey, ” Budzinski, Chris Winfrey, “ We’ve, ” Moffett, MoffettNathanson, Gigi Sohn’s Organizations: Charter, Verizon, Comcast, Program, Federal Communications Commission, Democratic, Republican, Street Research, CNBC, NBC News, Capitol, Republicans, Emergency, GOP, Republican House, ACP, FCC, ”, Universal Service Fund, USF, Charter Communications Locations: MoffettNathanson, Ohio, U.S, New York

In the wake of the ACP's expiration, broadband companies reported losing some customers. "But that doesn't take away from the families for whom this was important, and could now lose access to broadband." Pete Marovich | ReutersStill, Sohn believes bipartisan support for the ACP should make reauthorizing it a political slam dunk for Democrats. While broadband providers were generally supportive of the ACP, many in the industry believed the subsidy benefitted too wide a swath of U.S. households. Charter Communications CEO Chris Winfrey said in July that the ACP's expiration impacted both losses and low income broadband connections after the company had "put a lot of effort into the ACP program."

Persons: Craig Moffett, Blair Levin, Mike Carey, Nikki Budzinski, GOP Sen, JD Vance, Ohio, Donald Trump's, Vance quieted, Gigi Sohn, Biden, Pete Marovich, Sohn, Wall, they're, Carey, Budzinski, Chris Winfrey Organizations: Istock, Getty, Charter, Verizon, Comcast, Program, Federal Communications Commission, Democratic, Republican, Street Research, CNBC, Capitol, Republicans, Emergency, GOP, Republican House, ACP, Commerce, Science, Washington , D.C, Reuters, Universal Service Fund, USF, Charter Communications Locations: MoffettNathanson, Ohio, Washington ,, U.S, New York

☆ DirecTV files FCC complaint against Disney amid blackout
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-08 | by ( Robert Ilich | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —DirecTV filed a complaint Saturday with the Federal Communications Commission alleging Disney did not negotiate in good faith as the two sides remain at an impasse on a distribution deal. ESPN owns the broadcast rights to “Monday Night Football,” which will be blacked out for DirecTV subscribers unless a deal is reached. “We continue to negotiate with DirecTV to restore access to our content as quickly as possible,” a Disney spokesperson told CNN on Sunday. The opening game for “Monday Night Football” features the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers. The blackout also includes ESPN’s suite of channels and the Disney Channel, Disney Jr., FX and National Geographic.

Persons: Disney, “ Disney, Venu ’, ’ ”, Venu Sports, Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, “, San Francisco — Organizations: CNN — DirecTV, Federal Communications Commission, Disney, DirecTV, CNN, Fox Corporation, Warner Brothers Discovery, ABC, ESPN, NFL, Monday, New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers, Buffalo Bills, Jets, Disney Channel, Disney Jr, Geographic Locations: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Houston, San, Fresno , California, Raleigh , North Carolina

☆ The weirdest startup in healthcare has a blank check from General Catalyst
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-05 | by ( Rebecca Torrence | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +17 min

Hemant Taneja, the CEO of top venture firm General Catalyst, cofounded the healthcare startup Commure in 2017, and launched it in 2020. AdvertisementIt's made six acquisitions in four years — a remarkable number for a healthcare startup. He hatched Commure inside General Catalyst in 2017 alongside former leaders from Google, Salesforce, and healthcare data analytics firm Health Catalyst. The Philadelphia-based health system co-created a startup with General Catalyst, patient engagement platform Tendo, in 2020. General Catalyst said HATCo will work closely with its more than 20 health system partners, including HCA Healthcare.

Persons: Hemant Taneja, Catalyst, PitchBook, Commure, It's, Augmedix, He's, Tyler Le, Taneja, Livongo, Teladoc, Glen Tullman, Ashwini Zenooz, CommureOS, Tanay Tandon, Rusty Russell, Strongline, Tandon, didn't, General Catalyst, it's, Axios, he's, HATCo, GABRIELLA AUDI, wasn't, Hemant Organizations: Catalyst, Business, Catalyst's, Google, NASDAQ, Jefferson Health, Healthcare, HCA Healthcare, Athelas, SMP Labs, SMP, Commure, BI, FCC, Labs, Strongline Pro, Strongline, Northern District of, Canopy, General, Health, Healthcare Assurance Transformation Corporation, Summa Health, Olive AI, Augmedix, HCA, Getty, Big Tech, Commure's Locations: Livongo, Philadelphia, Commure, PatientKeeper, Athelas, Strongline, Northern District, Northern District of California, Ohio, Augmedix

☆ White House aims to make it easier for consumers to get refunds, cancel subscriptions
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-12 | by ( Josephine Rozzelle | Josie Rozzelle Is A Cnbc Digital Rotational Associate Covering Politics. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +4 min

“I think we can all relate to this,” White House domestic policy advisor Neera Tanden told reporters Friday. Dubbed the “Time is Money” initiative, the actions will make it easier for consumers to cancel subscriptions, get refunds, submit health care and insurance forms online, and access high-quality customer service. Another existing effort cited by the White House is a June 2023 FTC proposal to target companies that use deceptive customer feedback practices, like fake reviews. None of the actions that make up the “Time is Money” initiative will require congressional approval, a senior administration official said. The White House has pursued aggressive antitrust regulations and taken a highly skeptical approach to crypto currencies, both of which have rankled Wall Street.

Persons: Neera Tanden, ”, Biden, Kamala Harris, Broad, Harris, ” Tanden, policyholders, Xavier Becerra, Julie Su, “ Organizations: Biden, House, Democratic, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, Federal Trade, FTC, of Health, Human Services, of Labor, Department of Transportation, Republicans, Representatives, White House

☆ White House launches broad new regulatory effort, as Harris prepares to unveil economic plan
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-12 | by ( Josephine Rozzelle | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

U.S. President Joe Biden attends a press conference during NATO's 75th anniversary summit, in Washington, U.S., July 11, 2024. "I think we can all relate to this," White House domestic policy advisor Neera Tanden told reporters Friday. Democratic presidential nominee and Vice President Kamala Harris is preparing to unveil her presidential campaign's first economic policy plans this week. "The CFPB will identify when the use of automated chatbots or automated artificial intelligence voice recordings is unlawful, including in situations in which customers believe they are speaking with a human being," according to a White House fact sheet. The initiative also calls on health insurance companies to allow policyholders to submit claims online.

Persons: Joe Biden, Leah Millis, Neera Tanden, Biden, Kamala Harris, Broad, Harris, Craig Hudson, Tanden, policyholders, Xavier Becerra, Julie Su Organizations: NATO's, Biden, House, Democratic, U.S, Las Vegas Aces, White, Reuters, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, Federal Trade, FTC, of Health, Human Services, of Labor Locations: Washington , U.S

☆ States target AI and deepfakes as election interference threat looms
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-31 | by ( Piper Hudspethblackburn | Piper Hudspeth Blackburn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

While Michigan, Washington, Minnesota, Texas and California already had laws regulating deepfakes, Minnesota updated their law this year to require a candidate to forfeit their office or nomination if they violate the state’s deepfake laws, among other provisions. In states such as New York, New Mexico and Alabama, victims can seek a court order to stop the content. Katie Hobbs signed his proposal into law in May, along with another AI bill that requires disclosures in campaign ads. Big Tech has already taken some steps to moderate deepfake content. TikTok and Meta (the parent company of Instagram, Threads and Facebook) announced plans in recent months to label AI content, while YouTube requires creators to disclose when videos are AI-created.

Persons: deepfakes, Amy Beth Cyphert, Cyphert, Alexander Kolodin, Kolodin, it’s, ”, Katie Hobbs, Robert Weissman, Chuck Schumer, Sen, Mitch McConnell, Weissman, Sean Cooksey, It’s, Jessica Rosenworcel, ” Jonathan Uriarte, there’s, Dar’shun Kendrick, “ there’s, ” Kendrick, Alex Curtas, CNN’s Oliver Darcy, Sean Lyngaas, Donie O’Sullivan, Yahya Abou, Ghazala Organizations: CNN, Republican, Democrat, Department of Homeland Security, West Virginia University’s College of Law, ” Arizona Democratic Gov, Big Tech, Meta, YouTube, Swift, Public Citizen, House, Federal, Commission, Federal Communication Commission, FCC, . State Locations: Florida, Hawaii , New York , Idaho , Indiana, New Mexico , Oregon , Utah , Wisconsin , Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Michigan, Washington , Minnesota , Texas, California, deepfakes, Minnesota, New York, New Mexico, Alabama, Florida , Mississippi, Utah, Wisconsin, Oregon and Mississippi, statehouses, robocalls, Georgia, . Arizona

☆ Warren sounds alarm on T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular deal with Justice Department, FCC
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-23 | by ( Emily Wilkins | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON — A group of Democratic senators are sounding the alarm over T-Mobile's proposal to acquire most of US Cellular, and asking the Justice Department and the Federal Communications Commission to closely scrutinize and consider challenging the deal. The $4.4 billion deal announced in May 2024 would allow T-Mobile to use part U.S. Cellular's wireless spectrum to improve its coverage in rural areas and give it access to four million new customers. Under the agreement, U.S. Cellular would retain 70% of its wireless spectrum and towers, leasing space on other towers to T-Mobile. In Monday's letter, the lawmakers also ask the Justice Department to consider unwinding that merger, arguing that it cost customers of competing wireless carriers billions of dollars. A spokesperson for T-Mobile did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the letter from CNBC.

Persons: Sen, Elizabeth Warren, WASHINGTON, Amy Klobuchar, Chris Murphy, Conn, Bernie Sanders, Cory Booker, Richard Blumenthal, Klobuchar Organizations: Senate Armed Services, Washington , D.C, US Cellular, Justice Department, Federal Communications Commission, CNBC, Cellular, Mobile, Warren, Sprint, Department, U.S Locations: Afghanistan, South, Central Asia, Washington ,, Sens, Minn, U.S

☆ An FCC ruling has cut prison phone bills in half, disrupting the correctional telecommunications industry
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-22 | by ( Narimes Parakul | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

In order for people in prison to use phone or video calls to chat with family, the person on the other line must pay. As of 2021, according to research by the Prison Policy Initiative, they've paid an average of $3 for a 15-minute phone call. The new rules will force a business model change for correctional telecommunications companies as they contend with an estimated $500 million loss in revenue, according to Worth Rises. Only five states have passed legislation to make jail phone calls free, according to Prison Legal News. Wanda Bertram, a communications strategist for the Prison Policy Initiative, said prisons tend to negotiate better contracts with telecommunications companies and, therefore, tend to have better rates for prisoners.

Persons: —, they've, Peter Wagner, Viapath, ICSolutions, –, Bianca Tylek, Wanda Bertram, Paul Wright Organizations: Service, Federal Communications Commission, Business, FCC, Correctional, Worth, Connect, PBS, Companies, Human Rights Defense Center Locations: ICSolutions, New York , Ohio, Rhode

☆ AT&T is telling customers they were hacked. Protecting data has been a big fight – from companies like AT&T
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-18 | by ( Ramishah Maruf | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

In a statement, AT&T said, “We have long supported a comprehensive federal privacy policy protecting all Americans that applies across the internet ecosystem. Currently, data privacy laws exist in 19 states covering at least 150 million Americans, though differing in scale and scope. Industry trade groups say that while cyber security and data privacy can be interrelated, there is tension between those concepts that might not be fully covered in a data privacy law. What it’s like trying to pass data privacy lawsWhen Collin Walke, a data privacy and cybersecurity attorney, was in the Oklahoma House, he focused on data privacy legislation. One lobby, the State Privacy & Security Coalition, represents AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Meta, as well as automobile, healthcare and payment card companies.

Persons: It’s, “, ” Dominic Sellitto, ” Sellitto, They’re, Alan Butler, ”, Eric Noonan, ” Andrew Kingman, Collin Walke, ” Walke, ” Monica Priestley, ” Priestley, something’s, ” Noonan, ” Butler Organizations: New, New York CNN, FBI, Securities and Exchange Commission, Consumer, Big Tech, Social, University at Buffalo, Privacy, “, State Privacy, Security Coalition, Industry, Oklahoma House, Amazon, Google, Verizon, CNN, U.S, Privacy & Security Coalition, Mobile, Meta, “ Industries, Tech, Companies, FCC, Federal Communications Commission Locations: New York, “, Oklahoma, California, Vermont

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia rejected a legal challenge from DISH Network (DISH.MX) New Tab , opens new tab and an environmental group composed of amateur astronomers and dark-sky enthusiasts. The court in 2022 rejected a separate challenge to SpaceX's plan to deploy satellites at a lower Earth orbit than planned. In late 2022, the FCC approved SpaceX's request to deploy up to 7,500 satellites after the commission in 2018 approved SpaceX plans to deploy up to 4,425 first-generation satellites. The three-judge panel said the FCC "decision to license SpaceX’s Gen2 Starlink satellites was lawful and reasonable." New Tab , opens new tab

Persons: Veronica Gabriela Cardenas, Elon Musk's, Jessica Rosenworcel, David Shepardson, Franklin Paul, Diane Craft Organizations: SpaceX, REUTERS, Federal Communications Commission, U.S, Appeals, District of Columbia, FCC, Elon Musk's SpaceX, Opportunity Fund, Thomson Locations: Brownsville , Texas, U.S, WASHINGTON

☆ Election deepfakes could undermine institutional credibility, Moody's warns
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-10 | by ( Michelle Castillo | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

A new report from Moody's on Wednesday warns that generative AI and deepfakes are among the election integrity issues that could present a risk to U.S. institutional credibility. In a letter to Rosenworcel, it encouraged the FCC to delay its decision until after the elections because its changes would not be mandatory across digital political ads. Some social media platforms have already self-adopted some sort of AI disclosure ahead of regulations. Google requires all political ads with modified content that "inauthentically depicts real or realistic-looking people or events" to have disclosures, but doesn't require AI disclosures on all political ads. Thirteen states have laws on election interference and deepfakes, eight of which were enacted since January.

Persons: Gregory Sobel, William Foster, Jessica Rosenworcel, Dan Ives, Ives, Tony Adams, Moody's, Abhi Srivastava, Secureworks, Adams, they've Organizations: Federal Communications, FCC, Federal, Commission, Wedbush Securities, Meta, Google, Facebook, Unit, United Nations Locations: Moody's, New Hampshire

☆ U.S. probing China Telecom, China Mobile over internet and cloud risks, Reuters reports citing sources
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-25 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

Routing through ChinaChina Telecom, China Mobile and China Unicom have long been in Washington's crosshairs. The FCC denied China Mobile's application to provide telephone service in 2019 and revoked China Telecom and China Unicom's licenses to do the same in 2021 and 2022 respectively. It cited at least nine instances where China Telecom misrouted internet traffic through China, putting it at risk of being intercepted, manipulated or blocked from reaching its intended destination. China Telecom has previously denied the government's allegations and told U.S. agencies that routing problems are common and occur on all networks. China Telecom did not respond to requests for comment about its U.S. based PoPs.

Persons: Peter Parks, Biden, China Unicom, Doug Madory, Bill Woodcock, Alibaba Organizations: HK, China Mobile, Peter, AFP, Getty, China Telecom, Authorities, Commerce Department, China, Commerce, Embassy, Reuters, Washington, Regulators, China China Telecom, FCC, U.S, Justice Department, PoPs Locations: China Mobile, China, Beijing, United States, Washington, crosshairs, U.S

☆ Amazon, Best Buy, Google may soon sell home smart devices with 'hacker-safe' label
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-07 | by ( Bob Woods | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +10 min

"Once a manufacturer receives certification for the Trust Mark, they will need additional time to retool their packaging, as well as shipping updated products from the manufacturer to retailers," he said. In 2024, according to research firm Statista, nearly 70 million homes in the U.S. are actively using smart devices, up more than 10% from last year. Staffers from Consumer Reports attended a White House meeting during which the Cyber Trust Mark program was announced. Barry Mainz, CEO of Forescout Technologies, a cybersecurity provider, says he is a big fan of the Cyber Trust Mark. Steps to take now to protect your home internetThere are actions consumers can take right now, before the Cyber Trust Mark program kicks in, to harden their cybersecurity.

Persons: Biden, Jessica Rosenworcel, Nicholas Leiserson, David Grossman, What's, Stacey Higginbotham, Higginbotham, Grossman, Barry Mainz, Mark — Organizations: Federal Drug Administration, National, Traffic Safety Administration, National Institute of Standards, Technology, NIST, Federal Communications Commission, U.S . Cyber, Energy Star, Cyber, Energy, Google, LG Electronics, Logitech, Samsung Electronics, FCC, Auburn University's, Institute, Consumer Technology Association, Park Associates, Consumer Reports, White, Survey, Consumer, Forescout Technologies Locations: U.S, Washington, Mainz

☆ U.S. internet access economy 'more competitive than ever', says Fmr. FCC Chair Ajit Pai
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-06 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailU.S. internet access economy 'more competitive than ever', says Fmr. FCC Chair Ajit PaiHosted by Brian Sullivan, “Last Call” is a fast-paced, entertaining business show that explores the intersection of money, culture and policy. Tune in Monday through Friday at 7 p.m. ET on CNBC.

Persons: Ajit Pai, Brian Sullivan, “ Organizations: CNBC

☆ FCC ends affordable internet program due to lack of funds
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-31 | by ( Brian Fung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Washington CNN —The Affordable Connectivity Program, which helped low-income Americans get online, is no more. The program’s lapse threatens to throw nearly 60 million Americans into financial distress, CNN has reported. The program officially ends on June 1, said the Federal Communications Commission, which administered the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to approximately 1 in 5 households across the country and on tribal reservations. “The Affordable Connectivity Program filled an important gap that provider low-income programs, state and local affordability programs, and the Lifeline program cannot fully address,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel in a statement, referring to the name of another, similar FCC program that subsidizes wireless and home internet service. He also announced a series of voluntary commitments by a handful of internet providers to offer — or continue offering — their own proprietary low-income internet plans.

Persons: ”, Jessica Rosenworcel, Joe Biden, Mike Johnson didn’t, Biden, Kathryn de Wit, Wit, “ Organizations: Washington CNN, Program, Republicans, Democratic, CNN, Federal Communications Commission, Lifeline, FCC, Republican, Comcast, Cox, Verizon, ACP, Congress, Pew

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