On September 24, 2025, Covington’s tech industry experts explored what legal teams, government affairs professionals, and business leaders at tech companies need to know during this pivotal period and offered insights into anticipated challenges and emerging opportunities in the year ahead. Eight Covington attorneys shared their insights during a 60-minute session moderated by Covington partner
Continue Reading Covington Tech Briefing Spotlight: Impact of Latest Policy Developments on the Tech IndustryFCC Modifies Equipment Authorization Rules to Address National Security Concerns
Updated December 4, 2025. Originally posted November 26, 2025
On October 29, 2025, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) released its Second Report and Order (the “R&O”) and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“FNPRM”) concerning changes to its equipment authorization rules. The R&O and FNPRM continue the FCC’s ongoing efforts to update the agency’s equipment
Continue Reading FCC Modifies Equipment Authorization Rules to Address National Security ConcernsFCC Takes Action on Certain “Bad Labs”
Earlier this month on September 8, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that it was taking an initial set of actions to address threats posed by so-called “bad labs.” “Bad labs” consist of test labs that review and approve radio frequency emitting devices for use in the U.S. but are “ultimately owned or controlled by
Continue Reading FCC Takes Action on Certain “Bad Labs”Comments Due August 31 on FCC’s Proposal to Step Up Review of Foreign Ownership in Telecom Carriers and Establish Cybersecurity Requirements
Updated August 8, 2023. Originally posted May 1, 2023.
Last week, comment deadlines were announced for a Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) Order and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”) that could have significant compliance implications for all holders of international Section 214 authority (i.e., authorization to provide telecommunications services from points in the U.S. to points abroad). The rule changes on which the FCC seeks comment are far-reaching and, if adopted as written, could result in significant future compliance burdens, both for entities holding international Section 214 authority, as well as the parties holding ownership interests in these entities. Comments on these rule changes are due Thursday, August 31, with reply comments due October 2.Continue Reading Comments Due August 31 on FCC’s Proposal to Step Up Review of Foreign Ownership in Telecom Carriers and Establish Cybersecurity Requirements
FCC Chairwoman to Propose More Frequent Foreign Ownership Review of FCC Licensees for National Security Purposes
Last week, Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that she expects to circulate a proposal shortly that will authorize the FCC and/or certain national security agencies to periodically evaluate the foreign ownership of FCC licensees in light of national security considerations. She made this announcement in a speech that focused on
Continue Reading FCC Chairwoman to Propose More Frequent Foreign Ownership Review of FCC Licensees for National Security PurposesRobotics Spotlight: National Security Considerations in Foreign Investment and M&A Involving Robotics
On April 28, 2022, Covington convened experts across our practice groups for the Covington Robotics Forum, which explored recent developments and forecasts relevant to industries affected by robotics. The global robotics market has been experiencing a significant transformation, with robotics growing beyond traditional industrial uses and taking on an ever-increasing amount of new roles
Continue Reading Robotics Spotlight: National Security Considerations in Foreign Investment and M&A Involving RoboticsFCC Announces New Efforts to Block “Insecure Devices” from the U.S. Market
Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has announced that at its next monthly public meeting on June 17, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) will kick off a process to change its equipment authorization rules and competitive bidding procedures to address national security threats.
The draft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”), released Thursday, proposes changes to the FCC’s rules on equipment authorization that could restrict and revoke the authorization of devices determined to pose a threat to national security—effectively banning them from the U.S. marketplace. The NPRM also proposes updates that would effectively require parties bidding for spectrum licenses or FCC broadband funding to certify that they will not rely on financial support from entities designated by the FCC as a national security threat.Continue Reading FCC Announces New Efforts to Block “Insecure Devices” from the U.S. Market
AI Update: NDAA Renewal Addresses Uses and Implications of AI in National Security Context
Last month, President Trump signed into law the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (“NDAA” or the “Act”), which, among other things, includes provisions addressing the development and use of artificial intelligence (“AI”) in the context of national security and defense.
Continue Reading AI Update: NDAA Renewal Addresses Uses and Implications of AI in National Security Context