Markey, Eshoo Praise FCC Order on New Videoconferencing Accessibility Standards

Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., and Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Calif., praised the FCC Thursday for approving an order clarifying that interoperable videoconferencing services like Zoom and Microsoft Teams must comply with the commission’s accessibility rules under the 2010 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (see 2306080043). Markey and Eshoo noted the FCC’s order mirrors their proposal in the Communications, Video and Technology Accessibility Act, which would require audio descriptions as part of all video, including in broadcasts, cable, streaming and on social media (see 2303100043). “Today’s unanimous vote will ensure that everyone has access to the tools and technologies that are essential to everyday life,” Markey and Eshoo said.