FCC Targets Foreign Adversaries with New Network Transparency Rules
Published Date: 6/20/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FCC wants to make sure our communications networks stay safe from foreign threats by asking more companies to share who really controls them. This means anyone with a license to operate communications gear will need to be more open about foreign ties, not just a few. These new rules will start soon and help protect our networks without extra costs for most folks.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
All FCC Licensees Must Disclose Foreign Ties
If your company holds any FCC license, permit, or authorization, the FCC proposes new certification and disclosure rules that would require you to report foreign ownership and related information. The proposal would apply these requirements to every type of license instead of only specific licenses.
Coverage Extends Beyond Ownership to Foreign Control
The FCC proposes to require disclosures not only for foreign ownership but also for any regulated entity that is controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of, a foreign adversary. Companies that are controlled by or answer to a foreign adversary would need to certify and disclose that relationship.
More Public Transparency on Foreign Adversary Threats
The proposal would give the FCC and the public a broader, more complete view of foreign adversary threats in the communications sector by filling gaps in existing rules and collecting more information. The agency says this is aimed at protecting the Nation's communications networks.
Agency Says Most People Won't Face Extra Costs
The document states these new rules will start soon and are intended to protect networks without imposing extra costs for most people. The FCC frames the proposal as increasing safety while not creating additional costs for most folks.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11961 — Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is reviewing its paperwork rules to make sure collecting info is useful and not too hard, especially for small businesses. They’re asking companies and the public to share thoughts by August 14, 2026, to help improve how they gather info about switching from TTY to Real-Time Text technology. This update could save time and reduce hassle while keeping communication tech up to date.
2026-12011 — Miscellaneous Rules Relating to Common Carriers
This update fixes a technical error in the rules for common carriers, especially those handling video relay service (VRS) calls. VRS providers must now double-check who’s on the video side of each call using a special database, except for emergency 911 calls. These changes keep things running smoothly and make sure only eligible users get service—no extra costs or deadlines for you to worry about!
2026-11653 — Information Collection Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking the public and other agencies to comment on a paperwork update that aims to make things easier, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. They want to reduce the hassle of filling out forms and need approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to keep collecting this info. Comments are due by July 13, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
2026-11450 — Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is asking the public and agencies to share their thoughts on how it collects information to make sure it’s useful and not too much work. They want to cut down on paperwork, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. If you want to comment, you’ve got until August 7, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to help shape smarter rules!
2026-11452 — Information Collections Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking the public and small businesses to share their thoughts on how to make government paperwork easier and less time-consuming. They want feedback by July 8, 2026, to help reduce the burden, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. This is part of a plan to keep things simple and efficient without costing extra money or time.
2026-11353 — Reforming the High-Cost Program for an All-IP Future, Connect America Fund: A National Broadband Plan for Our Future High-Cost Universal Support
The FCC is updating its High-Cost Program to better support broadband in rural and hard-to-reach areas, making sure networks are ready for the future with faster, smarter internet. This change helps boost American tech leadership and supports the shift to modern internet systems, with feedback due by early September 2026. It’s about making sure everyone stays connected as technology zooms ahead!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-11339 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
If you fly certain Airbus Helicopters like the AS350B3 or EC130 models, the FAA wants you to update and inspect your throttle twist grips to keep engines running right. They’re adding new fixes to stop the engine from getting stuck in idle and expanding which helicopters need these updates. These changes could save you time and money by ending repeated inspections once done, so don’t wait to check the deadlines!
Next: 2025-11395 — Import Regulations for Horses; Pre-Export Examination
If you’re bringing horses into the U.S., you no longer need a special vet’s stamp proving a check-up within 48 hours before shipping. This change helps horse owners and shippers avoid tricky paperwork without risking animal health. It’s a smoother, easier process with no extra costs or delays!