Expect the Senate Commerce Committee to scrutinize industry and government data sharing as the two sides collaborate on COVID-19 response, various groups said in advance of Thursday’s paper hearing (see 2004030076). Democrats will want to know what data is shared with government and how people are being tracked, Interactive Advertising Bureau Executive Vice President-Public Policy Dave Grimaldi told us Wednesday. He will testify and expects Republicans to explore public safety, economic and consumer benefits.

Expect the Senate Commerce Committee to scrutinize industry and government data sharing as the two sides collaborate on COVID-19 response, various groups said in advance of Thursday’s paper hearing (see 2004030076). Democrats will want to know what data is shared with government and how people are being tracked, Interactive Advertising Bureau Executive Vice President-Public Policy Dave Grimaldi told us Wednesday. He will testify and expects Republicans to explore public safety, economic and consumer benefits.

President Donald Trump issued a “Team Telecom” executive order on April 4 that formalizes the executive branch’s process for reviewing foreign takeovers of U.S. communications assets, but some observers questioned the extent to which it will alter the status quo. The departments of Homeland Security, Defense and Justice do those evaluations. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai said the EO means the commission can advance a 2016 proposal to speed up the review process.

President Donald Trump’s “Team Telecom” executive order formalizes the executive branch’s process for reviewing foreign takeovers of U.S. communications assets, but some observers questioned the extent to which it will alter the status quo. DOJ, DOD and the Department of Homeland Security do those evaluations. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said the Saturday EO means the commission can advance a 2016 NPRM to speed up the review process (see 1606240043).

Congress might want to consider making the Copyright Act's fair use provision easier to employ given the copyright issues that emerge with increased livestreaming of distance learning and remote worship services during the pandemic, the Congressional Research Service said Friday. Lawmakers could put the burden of proof on the copyright owner or add or amend the Section 110 exemption protections to include performances or displays over the internet, CRS said: Congress could maintain the legal status quo, with webcasters relying on the existing fair use defense and exemptions, because copyright holders might be reluctant to sue educational or religious institutions.

Congress might want to consider making the Copyright Act's fair use provision easier to employ given the copyright issues that emerge with increased livestreaming of distance learning and remote worship services during the pandemic, the Congressional Research Service said Friday. Lawmakers could put the burden of proof on the copyright owner or add or amend the Section 110 exemption protections to include performances or displays over the internet, CRS said: Congress could maintain the legal status quo, with webcasters relying on the existing fair use defense and exemptions, because copyright holders might be reluctant to sue educational or religious institutions.

Congress might want to consider making the Copyright Act's fair use provision easier to employ given the copyright issues that emerge with increased livestreaming of distance learning and remote worship services during the pandemic, the Congressional Research Service said Friday. Lawmakers could put the burden of proof on the copyright owner or add or amend the Section 110 exemption protections to include performances or displays over the internet, CRS said: Congress could maintain the legal status quo, with webcasters relying on the existing fair use defense and exemptions, because copyright holders might be reluctant to sue educational or religious institutions.

Updated orbital debris rules for satellite operators and possibly expanding video description requirements to other markets will be among the topics on April 23's FCC agenda, Chairman Ajit Pai blogged Wednesday. The items are expected to be released Thursday. Pai will also seek a vote on Wi-Fi in the 6 GHz band and on a 5G Fund for Rural America (see 2004010065).

T-Mobile US said Wednesday it “officially completed” buying Sprint and its CEO transition, with Mike Sievert replacing John Legere ahead of schedule. Analysts expect a relatively smooth transition, much quicker than that which followed Sprint/Nextel 15 years ago. The deal got final federal signoff with the Tunney Act clearance by the U.S. District Court in Washington, hours after the carriers said they finished combining (see 2004010018). DOJ welcomed the decision.

The FBI has exhibited extensive flaws in Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act applications, DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz reported Tuesday. There were “apparent errors or inadequately supported facts” in all 25 randomly sampled applications. There were known issues with the investigation of Carter Page, a former Trump campaign aide (see 2003300055). Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., plans to have Horowitz testify. Disclosure of exculpatory information to a FISA court is a basic due process right, said Sens. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., and Mike Lee, R-Utah, jointly. They will introduce an amendment for the Senate to consider to “expand amicus protections and address the issues identified.” Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, urged the FBI to take procedures seriously: The bureau doesn’t have “carte blanche to routinely erode the liberties of Americans without proper justification.” For four of the 29 applications examined, the FBI wasn’t able to locate pertinent files involving Woods procedures, which require DOJ officials to verify information submitted to the FISA court matches FBI investigatory data. The findings raise “significant questions” about FBI compliance for ensuring applications are “scrupulously accurate,” the IG wrote, noting he doesn’t have confidence the FBI followed the procedures. This shows systemic FISA issues, said American Civil Liberties Union Senior Legislative Counsel Neema Singh Guliani: It’s “disappointing that despite repeated examples of deficiencies with our surveillance laws, Congress has failed to advance a strong surveillance reform bill.” Berkeley Center for Law & Technology Executive Director Jim Dempsey noted the report showed the “flaws are not politically motivated,” which makes them harder to solve: “The problems on display in the Carter Page process are widespread, calling into question the FBI's overall commitment to painting a full and fair picture in its FISA applications.”