TechTank
What to expect from Trump’s FCC?
Mar 10, 2025
Tom Wheeler, the former FCC chairman under Obama and author of 'Tech Lash', discusses the evolving landscape of the FCC under the Trump administration. He highlights the potential rollback of diversity initiatives and the challenges of spectrum auctions critical for 5G rollout. Wheeler also raises alarms about political influence on public interest decisions, touching on concerns around censorship. He emphasizes the urgency of addressing broadband access and cybersecurity, as well as the implications for artificial intelligence and network security.
40:16
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Quick takeaways
- Chairman Brendan Carr's focus on media content oversight and Section 230 could lead to concerns about censorship and self-censorship among companies.
- The FCC's pursuit of spectrum auctions and interest in LEO satellite technology highlight both potential advancements in connectivity and regulatory challenges.
Deep dives
Changes Under New FCC Leadership
The appointment of Chairman Brendan Carr marks a significant shift in the FCC's focus, diverging from the previous chairwoman's priority of closing the digital divide. Carr has quickly initiated a rollback of diversity-related initiatives and emphasized the importance of reviewing Section 230, which protects tech companies from liability. These early actions suggest a move towards prioritizing certain political and regulatory agendas, particularly related to content moderation and oversight of media diversity. This change raises concerns about the potential implications for consumer protection and equitable access to communication services.
