Today, Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY) introduced “The Critical Medical Infrastructure Right-to-Repair Act of 2020” to allow trained experts to maintain and repair essential medical equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic, and temporarily suspend restrictions that are blocking needed repairs. Public Knowledge commends Sen. Wyden and Rep. Clarke for championing the needs of patients and medical professionals during this public health crisis.

Today, Public Knowledge joined nearly 50 public interest groups, tribal advocacy organizations, trade associations, and churches in a letter urging the Federal Communications Commission to extend the 2.5 GHz Rural Tribal Priority Window. The “Tribal Priority Window” allows tribes to apply to receive free spectrum licenses on the 2.5 GHz band — crucial for expanding 5G to Tribal lands. The groups urge the agency to extend the deadline to February 3, 2021 due to the significant impact the COVID-19 crisis has had on American Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian communities, and Alaska Native villages across the nation.

Today, Public Knowledge joined 15 other public interest, rural, tribal, and consumer advocacy groups in a letter urging Congress to request the Federal Communications Commission extend the 2.5 GHz wireless broadband application deadline for American Indian tribes.

Yesterday, Public Knowledge sent a letter to Congress providing insight into the flow of misinformation and disinformation over social media platforms to prepare for the joint hearing on “A Country in Crisis: How Disinformation Online is Dividing the Nation.” The hearing will discuss the impact of disinformation on the American public.

Today, the Internet Archive announced that it is ending its National Emergency Library lending program, citing the efforts of local libraries and other institutions to increase the circulation of digital books. Public Knowledge commends the Internet Archive for championing access to knowledge during this time of crisis, and urges policymakers to support legislation that makes more print books available electronically.

Yesterday, Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced the “Exposure Notification Privacy Act” to ensure that any exposure notification apps developed to assist with contact tracing will protect user privacy. Public Knowledge welcomes the bill for providing privacy protections for Americans’ data collected from these apps. 

Today, Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Mark Warner (D-VA) introduced the “Public Health Emergency Privacy Act” to protect Americans’ privacy even as contact tracing, exposure notification, and other coronavirus surveillance technology becomes commonplace.

Public Knowledge Senior Advisor Gene Kimmelman will testify before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation today at 10:00 a.m. His testimony in the hearing on “The State of Broadband Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic” will urge Congress to pass a comprehensive legislative package to ensure that broadband is affordable, reliable, and available universally both during and after the pandemic.

Today, House Democrats introduced the “Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act” that, among other provisions, helps Americans access broadband — or stay connected — during the pandemic. Public Knowledge commends House Democrats and Sen. Merkley for championing broadband access for everyone during a time when no American can afford to be left behind.

Today, we’re happy to announce the latest addition to our tracking report logging digital platform responses to misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic: a “superfund for the internet” proposal. Such a fund would compel digital platforms like Google and Facebook to invest in tools our society needs to fight misinformation online — tools that have been proven during the pandemic.