RegImpact
fccproposed· Published 4/6/2026

Information Collection Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget

As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or the Commission) invites the general public and other Federal Agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection. Pursuant to the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2002, the FCC seeks specific comment on how it might further reduce the information collection burden for small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees. The Commission may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the PRA that does not display a valid OMB control number.

What this rule actually says

The FCC is asking for public feedback on paperwork requirements it may impose on companies in the future. Right now, this is just a *notice asking for comments*—not an actual regulation yet. The FCC wants to know which information-collection demands are too burdensome, especially for small businesses. Think of it as the FCC saying "we might ask you to submit data or reports to us; tell us if that sounds unreasonable."

Who it applies to

This is a *proposed* rule, so technically it doesn't apply to anyone yet—but founders should understand what it signals:

  • If you operate in the US and the FCC eventually claims jurisdiction over your AI product (telecommunications, radio, or emerging communication tech), this matters. Most AI scribes, hiring assistants, and chatbots are *not* FCC-regulated today, but that could change.
  • If you're building AI that touches communications infrastructure or wireless/radio tech, pay attention. Medical scribes and support chatbots probably don't fall here.
  • If you collect user data and the FCC later decides to regulate your sector, you may face reporting requirements.
  • If you have fewer than 25 employees, the FCC is explicitly asking for feedback on reducing your paperwork burden—so comment if you think future rules would be too onerous.

What founders need to do

  1. Do nothing right now (30 seconds). This is a comment-period notice, not a binding rule. Your product can operate normally.
  1. Optionally: submit a public comment if this could affect you (2-4 hours). If you build AI in telecom, radio, or communications, submit a comment to the FCC explaining why excessive reporting requirements would kill your business. Go to the FCC's comment portal (look for the docket number in the full rule text).
  1. Monitor FCC activity in your sector (ongoing, 5 minutes/month). If you're in a borderline category (e.g., IoT + AI), subscribe to FCC rulemaking updates relevant to your niche.
  1. Flag this for your compliance calendar (1 day). If the FCC finalizes a rule in your space, you'll likely have 6–12 months to comply with any new reporting. Mark "check FCC docket [X]" for Q3 2026.

Bottom line

Ignore for now unless you're in telecom or communications—then monitor and consider commenting during the public period if reporting requirements would harm your startup.