Emerging technology

Title VII of the Communications Act of 1934 (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: 723. Emerging technology accessibility (a) Augmentative and alternative communication defined In this section, the term augmentative and alternative communication means any tool, method, technology, strategy, service, training, coaching, or other support used to supplement or replace speech. (b) Reports to Congress Not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this section, and every 5 years thereafter, the Commission shall, in consultation with the United States Access Board, submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report assessing— (1) the extent to which emerging communication and video programming technologies, such as those that include the use of artificial intelligence, augmented reality, virtual reality, extended reality, dual reality, spatial computing, and other advanced machine learning, wireless technologies, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, robotics, the Internet of Things, and other forms of advanced computing power, result in accessibility opportunities and barriers for individuals with disabilities; and (2) solutions needed to ensure that emerging communications and video programming technologies and services such as those described in paragraph (1)— (A) are accessible to individuals with disabilities; and (B) provide the necessary hardware and software to achieve compatibility with peripheral devices or specialized customer premises equipment commonly used by individuals with disabilities to achieve access. (c) Assessment of effect on individuals with particular barriers In preparing each report required under subsection (b), the Commission shall assess the effect of emerging technologies on individuals with disabilities who have particular barriers to participation and communication with those technologies, including individuals with disabilities who— (1) have limited language or communication abilities, including individuals with speech disabilities and those that use augmentative and alternative communication, and individuals with cognitive disabilities; (2) have significant, targeted, or multiple disabilities, including individuals who are blind or low vision, deaf or hard of hearing, DeafBlind, have an auditory processing disorder, a cortical or cerebral visual impairment, or have both communication and mobility disabilities; or (3) in addition to their disability, lack access to advanced communication services and technology due to age, geographical location, socioeconomic status or Tribal affiliation. (d) Regulations Not later than 2 years after the date on which the Commission submits each report required under subsection (b), the Commission shall prescribe new or update existing regulations for ensuring the accessibility of emerging communications and video programming technologies and services by individuals with disabilities where doing so is necessary to further the goals of the statutory provisions implemented by the regulations of the Commission under parts 6, 7, 14, and 79 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation intended to fulfill these goals..