In a move to bolster the security of the United States’ telecommunications infrastructure, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced the creation of the National Security Council. This council is tasked with addressing and mitigating cyber threats emanating from foreign adversaries, with a pronounced focus on challenges posed by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The FCC intends to collaborate with other federal agencies, intelligence organizations, and cybersecurity experts to ensure the safety and reliability of the nation’s telecommunication systems.
Mandate and Objectives
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr emphasized the persistent threats confronting the nation’s communication networks. “Today, the country faces a persistent and constant threat from foreign adversaries, particularly the CCP,” Carr stated. “These bad actors are always exploring ways to breach our networks, devices, and technology ecosystem. It is more important than ever that the FCC remain vigilant and protect Americans and American companies from these threats.”
The Council on National Security is structured around three primary objectives:
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Strengthening Tech & Telecom Supply Chains: Reducing the American technology and telecommunications sectors’ trade and supply chain dependencies on foreign adversaries.
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Securing America from Cyber Threats: Mitigating vulnerabilities to cyberattacks, espionage, and foreign surveillance.
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Winning the Tech Race Against China: Ensuring the U.S. maintains a strategic advantage over China in critical technologies, including 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), satellites and space, quantum computing, robotics, autonomous systems, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
The council will be led by Adam Chan, who has been appointed as its first director. Chan previously served as the FCC’s National Security Counsel, bringing extensive experience in telecommunications security policy. The council comprises representatives from eight different bureaus and offices within the FCC, fostering cross-agency collaboration and information sharing to address multifaceted security challenges effectively.
The establishment of the council follows significant cyber incidents, notably the “Salt Typhoon” hacking campaign attributed to Chinese state-backed actors. This campaign targeted U.S. telecommunications firms, compromising sensitive data and highlighting vulnerabilities within the nation’s communication networks. Senator Mark Warner, chairman of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, described the intrusion as “the worst telecom hack in our nation’s history,” underscoring the need for enhanced security measures.
Strategic Implications
By forming the Council on National Security, the FCC aims to proactively address and neutralize threats to the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure. This initiative aligns with broader governmental efforts to safeguard critical infrastructure and maintain technological leadership on the global stage. The council’s focus on reducing supply chain dependencies and securing technological advancements is pivotal in ensuring that the U.S. remains resilient against foreign cyber threats.
The FCC’s creation of the Council on National Security represents a significant step toward fortifying the United States’ telecommunications sector against foreign cyber threats. By focusing on supply chain integrity, cybersecurity, and technological competitiveness, the council aims to safeguard national interests and maintain the security of communication networks essential to the nation’s economy and security.
