The Lawfare Podcast Lawfare Archive: How the FCC is Tackling National Security with Enforcement Bureau Chief Loyaan Egal
Jan 4, 2026
Loyaan Egal, Chief of the Enforcement Bureau at the FCC, brings a wealth of experience from the DOJ and telecommunications law. He dives into the FCC's crucial role in U.S. national security, exploring how they oversee undersea cables and tackle election interference via AI. Egal addresses the rise in enforcement actions since 2018, the unique challenges of cybersecurity, and the implications of telecom supply chains. He also discusses the battle against robocalls and fraud, emphasizing the evolving nature of threats in the communications landscape.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
From Prosecutor To FCC Enforcement Chief
- Loyaan Egal described his path from federal prosecutor to creating the FCC's white-collar fraud unit and returning to DOJ's National Security Division.
- He then rejoined the FCC in 2022 to lead the Enforcement Bureau with that national-security enforcement background.
FCC's Broad National Security Mandate
- The FCC's mandate includes national defense and spans submarine cables to satellites, giving it a holistic view of communications security.
- That unique regulatory + enforcement mix lets the FCC both set rules and directly enforce protections for critical infrastructure.
2018 As A Watershed For FCC Security Work
- Since 2018 the interagency shifted FCC involvement in national security, using Team Telecom recommendations and new statutes to block risky telecom links.
- That period marked a sustained move to treat telecom licensing and equipment as national-security decisions.