With innovation comes regulatory scrutiny. On December 9, 2025, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) released its 2026 Annual Regulatory Oversight Report (the “2026 Report”), which includes a new section dedicated to generative artificial intelligence (“GenAI”). The 2026 Report is the latest iteration of FINRA’s yearly summary of insights from its regulatory oversight activities,
Technology
European Commission Launches Consultations on the EU AI Act’s Copyright Provisions and AI Regulatory Sandboxes
The European Commission (“Commission”) recently launched two stakeholder consultations under the EU AI Act. The first (see here), closing on 9 January 2026, relates to the copyright-related obligations for General Purpose AI (“GPAI”) providers under the AI Act and GPAI Code of Practice. The second (see here), closing on 6 January 2026,…
President Trump Signs Executive Order to Block State AI Laws
On December 11, President Trump signed an Executive Order on “Ensuring a National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence” (“AI Preemption EO”), the culmination of months of efforts by Republican lawmakers to assert federal primacy over AI regulation. The AI Preemption EO, which follows the release of a draft version in November, states that “[t]o win”…
Washington State AI Task Force Releases AI Policy Recommendations for 2026
On December 1, the Washington State AI Task Force (“Task Force”) released its Interim Report with AI policy recommendations to the Governor and legislature. Established by the legislature in 2024, the Task Force is responsible for evaluating current and potential uses of AI in Washington and recommending regulatory and legislative actions to “ensure responsible AI…
FCC Seeking Comment on Issues Related to Caller ID and TCPA Compliance
Today, a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“FNPRM”) adopted by the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) at its open meeting on October 28, 2025, was published in the Federal Register, kicking off the comment cycle for the issues raised in that FNPRM. Comments on the FNPRM are due January 5, 2026, and reply comments are due…
Quantum Computing: Quantum Applications in Finance
Many fields of finance involve complex optimization problems under strict time constraints — problems where even marginal improvements could generate immense value for firms. Could quantum computing bring such improvements? Two recent IBM studies with major financial industry participants have explored potential use cases for quantum computing in finance.…
Covington Tech Briefing Spotlight: Impact of Latest Policy Developments on the Tech Industry
On September 24, 2025, Covington’s tech industry experts explored what legal teams, government affairs professionals, and business leaders at tech companies need to know during this pivotal period and offered insights into anticipated challenges and emerging opportunities in the year ahead. Eight Covington attorneys shared their insights during a 60-minute session moderated by Covington partner…
The European Commission calls for evidence ahead of its 2026 evaluation and review of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive
The Commission has issued a call for evidence in relation to its 2026 evaluation and review of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (“AVMSD”).
The AVMSD came into force in 2010 and establishes the EU’s regulatory framework for audiovisual media services. It governs the EU level coordination of national legislation on all audiovisual media, including traditional…
FCC Seeks Comment on Proposed Changes to Broadband Label Transparency Rules
Updated December 4, 2025. Originally posted November 26, 2025.
In November, the Federal Communication Commission (“FCC”) released a Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“FNPRM”) proposing to eliminate or modify various broadband label rules for Internet Service Providers (“ISPs”). The FCC’s primary rationale for these proposed changes is that the rules are cumbersome for ISPs…
White House Drafts Executive Order to Preempt State AI Laws
According to reports published on November 19, the White House has prepared a draft Executive Order to preempt state AI regulations in lieu of a uniform national legislative framework, marking a significant escalation in federal efforts to assert control over AI regulation. The draft Executive Order, titled “Eliminating State Law Obstruction of National AI…