The FCC should help Canada resolve concerns with equipment standards for electromagnetic interference, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association commented to Office of Management and Budget's Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, for the U.S.-Canada Regulatory Cooperation Council that aims to reduce intercountry regulatory differences. NEMA said earlier this month that Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s Engineering, Planning and Standards Branch proposed revisions to Canada's equipment standards in April that would "create trade barriers and fracture the U.S.-Canada market for many products, including wall mounted lighting dimmers." NEMA recommended the FCC "assist ISED Canada in addressing equipment EMI concerns" and "the agencies develop a common approach that achieves EMI mitigation objectives while minimizing regulatory burden and preventing barriers to trade." The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers made similar recommendations.

The FCC intends to terminate Space Net's international authorization under Communications Act Section 214, after it failed to respond to a March 6 letter from the Department of Homeland Security, backed by the DOJ and FBI. The executive branch agencies sought termination "because Space Net is no longer in business," said an International Bureau public notice in File No. ITC-214-20061204-00538, and Friday's Daily Digest. The PN gave Space Net "final notice and opportunity" to respond by Nov. 23 to the DHS letter. Space Net couldn't be reached for comment.

A transatlantic framework for EU and U.S. law enforcement to access cross-border data could strengthen user rights and due process, Computer & Communications Industry Association Senior Manager-Public Policy Alexandre Roure said Wednesday. Calling for the framework to be in line with the U.S.' Cloud Act and EU laws, CCIA supports transatlantic negotiations scheduled this week in Brussels during the EU-U.S. Justice and Home Affairs Ministerial Meeting.

Tariffs that took effect Sept. 24 on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports over IP disagreements haven't hurt distributor Arrow much, but the company is nonetheless against them, said CEO Mike Long. "If one government anywhere in the world decides they’re going to increase tariffs, don’t be surprised if worldwide manufacturers” move production, as many have, he said on Thursday's Q3 call. Manufacturers are "smart enough to manufacture anywhere in the world,” and most do so “in more than one place,” he said. Long estimates about a third of customers shifted some production from China. Arrow's “real-time database” of electronics components, while not developed because of the levies showcases "the power of data" during the disputes, he said.

Engaging in multiple languages and scripts through internationalized domain names and expansion of the internet through IPv6 are ways the internet is evolving, ICANN CEO Goran Marby said Wednesday. He blogged about his recent appearance before the ITU’s 2018 Plenipotentiary conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. There, he warned against “well-intentioned” policies and legislation “which can inhibit users to connect to” the internet.

ICANN should avoid conflicts of interest when senior staffers leave, NTIA Administrator David Redl wrote ICANN Chair Cherine Chalaby, copying CEO Goran Marby. The U.S. intends to bring the issue up to ICANN's third accountability and transparency review team, which is expected to hold its first meeting by June, but "I encourage you to look into this now," he wrote. One potential fix would be to have cooling-off periods for employees who accept jobs with companies involved in ICANN activities and programs, he said. Friday's letter mirrored comments Redl made Oct. 22 at ICANN's meeting in Barcelona.

China’s drive to become a global IoT leader “poses sobering challenges to U.S. economic and security interests,” said a report prepared for the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission. China’s “robust participation in international standards committees has given Beijing greater opportunities to dictate the rules of the road,” it said. “Its research into IoT security vulnerabilities and its growing civil-military cooperation raise concerns about gaining unauthorized access to IoT devices and sensitive data. Its authorized access to the IoT data of U.S. consumers will only grow as Chinese IoT companies leverage their advantages in production and cost to gain market share in the United States.” That China is “still behind leading international levels in many IoT technologies” means American companies and the U.S. government “still have time to maintain a technological edge and influence future IoT development, standards, and roll-out,” said the report.

The FTC 4-0-1 finalized a settlement with a California online training services company over allegations it falsely claimed it was getting certified as EU-U.S. Privacy Shield compliant (see 1807020048). ReadyTech is barred from misrepresenting itself again, and for any future infractions, faces penalties up to $41,484 for each violation. Commissioner Christine Wilson didn’t vote, and the agency didn't comment.

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai requested a briefing on a disputed report that China targeted U.S. companies, including Apple, with malicious chips (see 1810090029). Pai said at a news conference Tuesday he has no firsthand knowledge about the report's accuracy. Asked from whom Pai requested the briefing, an FCC spokesperson didn’t comment Wednesday.

The White House should promptly nominate a permanent Privacy Shield ombudsperson, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and EU Justice Commissioner Vera Jourova said Friday. The functioning of the State Department ombudsperson, currently acting Undersecretary for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment Manisha Singh, was discussed during last week’s review of the agreement. The European Commission will publish findings and recommendations on PS this year, they said. The pair cited the program’s significant growth, with nearly 4,000 companies signed on. Other efforts cited include the recent confirmation of Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board members (see personals section of the Oct. 15 issue), restoring the quorum. In light of recent privacy breaches, there's a need for “strong privacy enforcement to protect our citizens and ensure trust in the digital economy,” they said. Ross in a Financial Times opinion Wednesday defended the PS, saying it protects citizens and companies in both regions and allows cross-border data flows. The State Department ombudsperson has been available, but hasn’t received a single PS-related inquiry, he said. Facebook, a PS participant, will be removed if the FTC finds it failed to comply with program commitments, he said. “We agree that Privacy Shield works well and encourage further progress to strengthen it, such as the prompt nomination of a permanent U.S. Under Secretary and Ombudsperson,” said Computer & Communications Industry Association Senior Policy Manager Alexandre Roure.