Week ahead: Tech world descends on Las Vegas

by Harper Neidig and Ali Breland - 01/08/18 6:00 AM ET

The tech world is descending on Las Vegas this week for the Consumer Electronics Show.

The annual event to highlight the latest in consumer tech products is also a chance for tech to meet with high-profile federal, state and local officials.

This year, the absence of one prominent name is garnering much of the attention.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai pulled out of a scheduled appearance at the last minute, after he reportedly received death threats.

Pai has been in the spotlight after pushing through a repeal of the Obama administration’s net neutrality rules in December. While popular with broadband providers, the move has been opposed by many of tech’s biggest names and consumer advocates.

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The repeal has sparked a firestorm of controversy. Pai has claimed his family was targeted with threats and harassment. Minutes before the agency voted on his repeal proposal at a December hearing, law enforcement evacuated the room after learning of a bomb threat.

An FCC spokesman declined to comment on why Pai pulled out of his appearance at the annual convention, saying only that the agency would not discuss security matters.

It will be the first time Pai is missing the event in five years. But there will be other prominent officials on hand.

Michael Kratsios, an adviser to President Trump and the U.S. deputy chief technology officer, on Tuesday will participate in a question-and-answer session on the administration’s approach to tech policy.

And despite Pai’s high-profile cancellation, the FCC will be well represented. On Tuesday, Commissioners Mignon Clyburn, Michael O’Rielly and Brendan Carr will participate in a roundtable discussion on what 2018 holds for tech regulatory policy.

They will be joined in that talk by Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Commissioner Terrell McSweeny and David Redl, the head of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

Net neutrality isn’t listed among the session’s discussion topics, but it’s likely officials will be pressed to address the controversial decision.

Pai was scheduled to appear alongside acting FTC Chairwoman Maureen Ohlhausen for a panel discussion on Tuesday. Ohlhausen will still appear with Gary Shapiro, head of the Consumer Technology Association, for a question-and-answer session on her agency’s handling of the tech industry.

Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao will join a panel discussion on drones and driverless vehicles on Wednesday.

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock (D), Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder (R) and Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval (R) will participate Thursday in a roundtable on states’ role in innovation.

While the tech world will be focused on Las Vegas, lawmakers will be busy on Capitol Hill with both chambers in session. Senators returned on Jan. 3, and House members return Monday Jan. 8. Much of the attention will be on resolving the spending fight and avoiding a government shutdown on Jan. 19. But there will also be tech issues on the docket.

On Tuesday, the House Commerce subcommittee on energy will examine modernization efforts at the Department of Energy at 10 a.m.

Also on Tuesday, the House Armed Services Committee will hold a hearing titled, “China’s Pursuit of Emerging and Exponential Technologies” at 2 p.m.

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