FCC Mandates Accessibility Compliance for Video Conferencing Providers

According to an article by the law firm Davis Wright Tremaine, the FCC has issued a Public Notice requiring video conferencing providers and equipment manufacturers to submit accessibility efforts to the Recordkeeping Compliance Certification and Contact Information Registry (RCCCI) by October 3, 2024.

This mandate aligns with the FCC’s June 2023 Report and Order, which requires online video conferencing services and equipment to be accessible to people with disabilities by September 3, 2024. A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) seeks comments on implementing specific accessibility solutions, such as text-to-speech, captioning, and sign language integration, with feedback due by September 6, 2023.

The accessibility requirements stem from the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA), which mandates that Advanced Communications Services (ACS) like VoIP, email, and video conferencing be usable by individuals with disabilities. Compliance involves incorporating accessibility features or integrating third-party solutions, ensuring usable products, and maintaining records for FCC certification.

The June 2023 Report and Order expands the definition of covered video conferencing services to include all real-time video communication platforms. These services must now comply with accessibility rules by September 2024. The NPRM also proposes integrating Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) into video conferencing, including funding through the TRS Fund and ensuring user privacy protections.

The article notes these key takeaways for compliance and risk managers at video conferencing providers:

• Ensure compliance by September 2024 with FCC accessibility rules for video conferencing services.
• Prepare for potential changes from the NPRM, including TRS integration and privacy rules.
• Maintain proper documentation and records to meet FCC certification requirements, mitigating risks of non-compliance.