In a move to bolster America’s defenses against foreign adversaries, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr announced today the creation of a new Council for National Security within the Federal Communications Commission. The initiative, unveiled during a press briefing, aims to harness the FCC’s full regulatory, investigatory, and enforcement powers to safeguard U.S. telecommunications and technology sectors, with a particular focus on countering threats from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Carr also named Adam Chan, his National Security Counsel, as the inaugural Director of the Council, signaling a proactive stance in an era of heightened geopolitical tension.
The announcement comes amid growing concerns over foreign interference in American networks and supply chains. “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.” He emphasized that the evolving nature of these risks—spanning cybersecurity, espionage, and economic competition—necessitates a unified, agency-wide response.
The Council for National Security will pursue a three-pronged mission. First, it will work to reduce U.S. reliance on foreign adversaries for technology and telecommunications trade and supply chains, addressing vulnerabilities exposed by global dependencies. Second, it aims to mitigate risks of cyberattacks, espionage, and surveillance by hostile nations, fortifying America’s digital infrastructure. Third, the Council will strive to ensure the U.S. maintains a competitive edge over China in emerging technologies critical to national security, including 5G and 6G networks, artificial intelligence, satellite systems, quantum computing, robotics, autonomous systems, and the Internet of Things.
To achieve these goals, the Council will draw expertise from eight FCC Bureaus and Offices, fostering unprecedented collaboration across the agency. This structure, Carr noted, will “pull resources from a variety of FCC organizations” to address threats that cut across multiple sectors under the Commission’s purview. The Council will also enhance the FCC’s coordination with national security partners in the Executive Branch and Congress, streamlining efforts to implement a comprehensive security agenda.
The appointment of Adam Chan as Director underscores the Council’s priority status. Chan, a seasoned advisor to Carr, brings deep experience in national security policy, positioning him to lead the initiative effectively from day one. “This is about staying ahead of the curve,” Carr said, highlighting the need for agility in responding to adversaries who exploit technological advancements for strategic gain.
The establishment of the Council reflects a broader shift in U.S. policy toward confronting China’s influence in global tech markets. Recent years have seen heightened scrutiny of Chinese firms like Huawei and ZTE, banned from U.S. networks over espionage concerns, and fears of supply chain disruptions have prompted calls for greater domestic innovation. The FCC’s move signals a recognition that telecommunications regulation is now a frontline in national defense.
As the Council begins its work, its impact could reshape how the FCC approaches its mandate, blending traditional oversight with a security-first mindset. For now, Carr’s message is clear: in an era of unrelenting threats, the FCC is stepping up to protect America’s technological sovereignty—one network, device, and innovation at a time.
Please follow us on Facebook and X for more news, tips, and reviews. Need cord cutting tech support? Join our Cord Cutting Tech Support Facebook Group for help. You can follow Luke on X HERE.