The FCC has adopted a Report and Order that requires video conferencing platforms, including Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Webex, to comply with the FCC’s accessibility requirements. Specifically, the Report and Order concludes that the FCC’s accessibility requirements apply to all services and equipment meeting the definition of “interoperable video conference service.” Video conferencing platforms will have one year and 30 days from Federal Register publication of the Report and Order to comply with the adopted rules.
The FCC also waived the requirement that video relay service providers prevent users from turning off their video cameras when not actively participating in a video call. This waiver will last one year, subject to certain conditions.
The FCC has also adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, proposing to impose specific performance metrics on video conferencing accessibility services, such as speech-to-text, text-to-speech and visual language interpreting. The NPRM also seeks comment on the integration of TRS with video conferencing services without requiring a dial-up telephone call.
