Brendan Carr is now officially Chairman of the Federal Communications CommissionAs soon as he has a Republican majority, he will have the power to set the agency's agenda and enact a number of rules that have major implications for the tech and media industries.
one in statementCarr named some areas of focus: “Issues ranging from technology and media regulation to uncovering new opportunities for jobs and growth through agency actions on spectrum, infrastructure and the space economy.”
Carr's priorities may also come from a document you may have already heard about: project 2025That's because he wrote the FCC chapter of the Heritage Foundation's wish list for Donald Trump's presidency. In that chapter, Carr proposes the following actions: Limiting immunity for tech companies Section 230 of the Communications Decency ActRequiring disclosures about how platforms prioritize content, requiring tech companies to pay into a program that finances broadband access in rural areas, and requiring satellites from companies like Elon Musk's Starlink Clears applications to launch more quickly.
The new FCC chair has also indicated that he could use his power to revoke a network's spectrum license over a speech hosting decision when he deems it a violation of the equal time rule. this came up in the melee about nbc Kamala Harris hosting on “Saturday Night Live” before the election – although the network later appeared to follow rules of giving candidates equal time and placement on the public airwaves by offering to feature Trump on air later.
Regardless, Carr would need a third Republican vote on the commission to approve any measure that is not bipartisan in nature. Trump has Mark Meador nominatedFormer staffer to Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) to join the commission, pending Senate confirmation.
Trump's Choose to lead the Federal Trade Commission is also in place now. Andrew Ferguson, who already served as a commissioner, has a reported agenda Which echoes parts of Carr. This includes a desire to “hold big tech accountable and stop censorship”, as well as a desire to “protect freedom of expression and fight disinformation”.