And in what I would call more tactical legislation,
Google has officially endorsed an Oregon right-to-repair legislation, marking the first time the company has backed any right-to-repair law. The legislation requires manufacturers to provide replacement parts, software, tools, and repair documentation. Google has also made efforts to make its Pixel phones easier to fix. This comes after Apple’s support for a federal right-to-repair law in October.
Pulling from some coverage in NextGov, The Pentagon’s proposed updates to the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program will require small businesses to comply with the same cyber requirements as large firms. However, experts believe small businesses will still have opportunities to work with the Department of Defense (DOD). The DOD acknowledges small firms’ challenges in meeting CMMC requirements and is expected to provide support mechanisms and incentives outside of the formal rulemaking process. Public feedback on the proposed rule is being accepted until February 26, with the final rule expected to be released later this year.
Federal agencies have increased their use of FedRAMP, but challenges persist in fully addressing issues, according to a government watchdog report. The report highlights that some agencies are using services that are not FedRAMP-authorized due to a lack of program oversight. The report makes three recommendations, including issuing guidance on tracking the cost of sponsoring a FedRAMP authorization and developing a plan for guidance on a specific Federal Information Processing Standard requirement. OMB and GSA have ongoing efforts to address the issues, but until finalized, the challenges may continue to increase time and costs for FedRAMP authorizations.
And in coverage from TechDirt, The FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides a $30 broadband discount to 23 million low-income Americans, is at risk of ending due to Republicans refusing to fund its extension. Poor Americans may see a significant increase in their broadband bills and may even lose broadband access altogether. Republicans oppose the program because of its popularity among constituents and their desire to prevent Democrats from receiving credit for cheaper broadband.
Again, working backward, I’ve highlighted the importance of broadband as a utility. Making broadband viewed as a necessary utility is good for MSPs and service providers, as it shows the importance of technology in business. As such, we should also want to see broadband supported as a utility. Disclosure: family members are benefiting from this program, and it’s made a difference.
This decision highlights the issue of telecom monopolization and muted competition, which Republicans and some Democrats also oppose addressing. We want competition — it’s good for our customers.
Let’s note the importance of FedRAMP in such frameworks as CMMC 2.0. Will MSP tool providers begin to embrace this standard, or will a divide be created between comply and comply-not? How widely used will CMMC become? Agencies love to reuse frameworks. Even if you don’t do defense work, you should care about CMMC and FedRAMP.
Finally, let’s acknowledge how the right to repair is spreading.