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 can further reduce the information collection burden for small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees.
What this rule actually says
The FCC is asking for public feedback on paperwork and reporting requirements it may impose—but hasn't actually imposed anything yet. This is a comment period, not a final regulation. The FCC wants to know what information it should collect from companies and is specifically asking small businesses (under 25 employees) how to make any future reporting less burdensome.
Who it applies to
This is still in the "listening phase," so it doesn't directly apply to anyone yet. However, pay attention if you:
- Operate in the U.S. — The FCC only regulates U.S.-based or U.S.-serving companies
- Build AI tools that involve telecommunications, radio, or broadband — Medical scribes, hiring assistants, and support chatbots likely don't trigger FCC oversight *unless* they interact with phone systems or broadband networks
- Handle data transmission over FCC-regulated networks — If your AI product processes data via phone lines, cellular networks, or internet services, the FCC *might* eventually want information about how you're doing it
- Are a small business (under 25 employees) — The FCC is explicitly asking how to reduce your burden, so your input matters
What founders need to do
- Do nothing immediately (0 hours) — This is a proposed rule, not an active requirement. No deadlines or obligations exist yet.
- Monitor the FCC's final rule (1-2 hours, one-time) — Check back in 2-3 months to see if the FCC issues a final regulation. If it does, read it to confirm it affects your product.
- Consider submitting a comment if it seems relevant (2-4 hours, optional) — If you build AI that touches telecom/broadband and want a voice, the FCC's website will eventually post a comment deadline (usually 30-60 days). Small businesses have leverage here; the FCC wants to hear from you.
- Document your data practices now (4-8 hours, one-time) — Regardless of this rule, start recording: what data you collect, how you transmit it, and where it's stored. This prep work helps with *any* future regulation.
- Join a small-business advocacy group (ongoing, optional) — Organizations like TechAmerica or your local chamber can alert you to FCC moves before they hit your inbox.
Bottom line
Monitor—this is a comment period with no teeth yet, but if you build AI involving phone/broadband systems, read the final rule when published and consider weighing in now.