Cybersecurity Policy Report, House to Consider Mobile Cybersecurity Bill Next Week, (Feb 22, 2023)

By Paul Kirby

The House next week plans to consider the Understanding Cybersecurity of Mobile Networks Act (HR 1123) introduced by Reps. Anna G. Eshoo (D., Calif.) and Kat Cammack (R., Fla). It would require the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to submit a report to Congress that examines the cybersecurity of mobile service networks. The legislation cleared the House in the 117th Congress (CPR, Dec. 1, 2021).

“The report shall include (1) an assessment of the degree to which providers of mobile service have addressed certain cybersecurity vulnerabilities; (2) a discussion of the degree to which these providers have implemented cybersecurity best practices and risk assessment frameworks; and (3) an estimate of the prevalence and efficacy of encryption and authentication algorithms and techniques used in mobile service and communications equipment, mobile devices, and mobile operating systems and software,” a news release on the legislation noted.

“With sophisticated mobile networks and high traffic occurring every day, it’s critical that policymakers understand the landscape of these technologies and their vulnerabilities. We’re working to protect the privacy, data, and security of the American people while ensuring continued innovation for the wireless networks we rely on for our lives and businesses," said Rep. Cammack in the news release.

"I'm proud to introduce the Understanding Cybersecurity of Mobile Networks Act to give policymakers a better understanding of the state of the cybersecurity in our wireless networks,” Rep. Eshoo said. “Most of our calls, texts, and data traverse on 2G, 3G, and 4G networks and we lack a full picture of the vulnerabilities across those networks that Americans use every single day. This bipartisan bill takes important steps to ensure our wireless networks are safe and protect the privacy and security of the American people.”

The House also plans to consider the Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act (HR 538), which would require the Federal Trade Commission to establish disclosure guidelines for products with audio or visual recording components that are not obvious for those devices, including refrigerators, washers, dryers, and dishwashers.

The bill was introduced by Reps. John Curtis (R., Utah) and Seth Moulton (D., Mass.) (CPR, Jan. 27). In the Senate, companion legislation (S 90) has been introduced by Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chair Maria Cantwell (D., Wash.) and ranking member Ted Cruz (R., Texas).

Similar legislation (S 5127) was introduced by Sens. Cantwell and Cruz last November. The House passed similar legislation (HR 4081) in September. That bill was also introduced by Reps. Curtis and Moulton.

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