FCC votes to reverse telecom security rulemaking issued under Biden

The FCC voted to reverse a Biden-era rulemaking that would have required telecom companies to harden systems used for lawful surveillance, a policy enacted after the Salt Typhoon campaign—an MSS-backed Chinese cyberespionage operation—breached dozens of telecommunications firms and compromised lawful intercept systems across some 80+ countries and roughly 600 organizations. Critics warn the rollback leaves critical communications infrastructure more vulnerable, while supporters argue carriers are pursuing voluntary coordinated remediation efforts.