28. Federal Communications Commission (Summary)

Author: Brendan Carr

Summary

• The FCC’s primary mission is to promote freedom of speech, economic opportunity, and secure, competitive communications networks.
• The FCC is governed by five Commissioners, with no more than three from the same political party, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
• The chapter outlines the need for the FCC to update and modernize its policies to address current challenges in communications and technology.
• Key areas of focus include reining in Big Tech’s market power, promoting national security, unleashing economic prosperity, and ensuring FCC accountability.
• Specific proposals include modifying Section 230 to curb broad legal immunities for tech companies, imposing transparency rules on Big Tech, and enhancing consumer empowerment in online moderation.
• The FCC’s role in national security is emphasized with actions against Chinese tech firms like Huawei and calls for a comprehensive clean standards initiative.
• Economic strategies discussed include advancing a pro-growth agenda, modernizing infrastructure rules, supporting space leadership with fast-tracked satellite technologies, and improving federal broadband spending efficiency.
• The chapter closes with a call for the FCC to review and possibly rescind outdated regulations to promote competition and innovation in the communications sector.

Analysis

• Implementing the chapter’s recommendations could shift the balance of power within the tech industry, potentially leading to more diverse viewpoints online.
• Tighter regulations on Big Tech could result in significant changes in how these companies operate, impacting their global strategies and domestic market behaviors.
• A stronger stance on national security might enhance protections against foreign threats but could also lead to tensions with countries involved, affecting international relations and trade.
• Economic proposals such as freeing more spectrum for wireless services and streamlining infrastructure projects could boost the telecommunications industry but might face resistance from environmental and local groups.
• Overall, these changes could lead to a more regulated but potentially more equitable and secure digital and telecommunications environment in the U.S.

Tags

• FCC Policies
• Big Tech Regulation
• National Security
• Economic Prosperity
• Telecommunications Reform

Read the original chapter text here: https://static.project2025.org/2025_MandateForLeadership_FULL.pdf#page=878