FCC
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FCC’s Prison Phone Jamming Plan Raises Concerns
Read Full Article: FCC’s Prison Phone Jamming Plan Raises Concerns
The FCC's proposal to allow jamming of contraband phones in prisons has raised concerns among phone companies and industry groups. The plan could potentially disrupt Wi-Fi and other unlicensed spectrum communications, which are foundationally designed to operate cooperatively without interference. The Wi-Fi Alliance argues that permitting jammers on unlicensed spectrum would undermine global spectrum policy and set a dangerous precedent. Additionally, the GPS Innovation Alliance warns of potential spillover effects on adjacent bands, which could affect commercial technologies not designed to be jam-resistant. The FCC is considering a pilot program to assess interference risks before a wider implementation, with a final decision pending a vote. This matters because it highlights the potential conflict between security measures and the integrity of wireless communication standards.
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FCC Halts Smart Home Security Certification Plan
Read Full Article: FCC Halts Smart Home Security Certification Plan
The US Cyber Trust Mark Program, designed to certify smart home devices for cybersecurity standards, is facing uncertainty after UL Solutions, its lead administrator, stepped down. This decision follows an investigation by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) into the program's connections with China. The program, which was intended to provide a recognizable certification similar to the Energy Star label, has not yet been officially terminated but remains in a state of limbo. This development is part of a broader trend of the FCC rolling back cybersecurity initiatives, including recent changes to telecom regulations and the decertification of certain testing labs. Why this matters: The potential demise of the US Cyber Trust Mark Program highlights challenges in establishing robust cybersecurity standards for smart home devices, which are increasingly integral to daily life.