Brendan Carr officially takes over the leadership of the FCC.
It still requires a Republican majority to vote on fundamental issues.
Brendan Carr has officially assumed the role of chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), granting him the authority to define the agency's agenda and advance a series of regulations that could have a significant impact on the technology and media industries, especially once he has a Republican majority. In a statement, Carr highlighted several priority areas, encompassing "issues related to the regulation of technology and media, as well as creating new job and growth opportunities through the agency's actions on spectrum, infrastructure, and the space economy."
Carr's priorities may be linked to a document known as Project 2025, as he was the author of the FCC chapter in the Heritage Foundation's wish list for a Donald Trump presidency. In that chapter, Carr suggests various actions, such as limiting the immunity of tech companies under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, requiring disclosures on how platforms prioritize content, requesting that tech companies contribute to a program that funds broadband internet access in rural areas, as well as expediting the approval of applications for satellite launches from companies like Elon Musk's StarLink. Additionally, Carr addressed national security concerns related to China, focusing on "the threat that TikTok poses to national security."
However, Carr's stance on this matter is uncertain, as Trump's position on the app has changed; while he initially sought to ban TikTok in the United States, he now presents himself as its defender, putting Carr in a complicated position.
The new FCC chairman has also suggested that he could use his authority to revoke spectrum licenses from networks if he deems their decisions regarding speech to violate the equal time rule. This issue arose in a controversy over Kamala Harris's appearance on "Saturday Night Live" before the elections, although the network appeared to comply with the rules by offering Trump an opportunity to appear later.
On another front, Carr will need a third Republican vote on the commission to pass any non-bipartisan measures. Trump has nominated Mark Meador, a former aide to Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), to join the commission, subject to Senate confirmation. Additionally, Trump's choice to lead the Federal Trade Commission is also underway; Andrew Ferguson, who is already a commissioner, has an agenda that aligns with some of Carr's proposals. This includes the intention to "hold big tech accountable and stop censorship," as well as "protecting free speech and combating 'wokeness'."
