Media Contact:
Alisa Valentin, (202) 418-2500
Alisa.Valentin@fcc.gov

Austin King, (202) 326-3166
Aking3@ftc.gov
For Immediate Release

COMMISSIONER STARKS AND FTC COMMISSIONER SLAUGHTER POSTPONE FIELD HEARING IN DETROIT ON 5G, PRIVACY, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, 
AND THE NEW CIVIL RIGHTS FIGHTS 

WASHINGTON, March 11, 2020—FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks and FTC Commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter are postponing their field hearing on 5G technology and big data, which was scheduled to take place on Monday, March 16, at Wayne State University Law School in Detroit, Michigan, because of the danger posed to travelers and field hearing attendees by the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. 

“Out of an abundance of caution, we believe that the best course of action for this field hearing is to postpone the event.  I am thankful for all the contributions of Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence, Wayne State University, the larger Detroit community, and our witnesses,” said Commissioner Starks.  “One of the great joys of my job as an FCC Commissioner is getting outside of Washington and hearing from the American people about their concerns.  The events that have unfolded over the last few weeks are a reminder that the intersecting conversations about internet inequality, privacy, and artificial intelligence are more important than ever.” 

“We are disappointed to postpone this event, but we remain committed to holding a Field Hearing in Detroit on these novel civil rights issues, and will reschedule this exciting event for the fall,” said Commissioner Slaughter.  “The fact that school and worksite closures will disproportionately harm vulnerable communities in the coming months will underscore the urgency of tackling these questions.” 
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Office of Commissioner Geoffrey Starks: (202) 418-2500
ASL Videophone: (844) 432-2275
TTY: (888) 835-5322
Twitter: @GeoffreyStarks
www.fcc.gov/about/leadership/geoffrey-starks
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).