Media Contact: 
MediaRelations@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

FCC ADOPTS RULES TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO VIDEO CONFERENCING SERVICES
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WASHINGTON, September 26, 2024—The Federal Communications Commission today adopted new rules to ensure that people with disabilities can fully participate in video conferencing, including by paving the way for the use of telecommunications relay services (TRS).  Building on the FCC’s 2023 Order making clear that video conferencing services must be accessible to people with disabilities under our rules, the FCC voted to enhance the accessibility standards for these online tools.  New performance objectives include accurate and synchronous captioning; access to third-party captioning and sign language services; and users’ ability to adjust captions, video windows, and other features that are important for accessibility. 

The Communications Act requires providers of advanced communications services—including “interoperable video conferencing services” (IVCS)—and manufacturers of equipment used for these services to ensure that their services, equipment, and software are accessible to people with disabilities, unless that is not achievable.  In 2023, the Commission resolved a longstanding legal question, finding that all services meeting the statutory definition of IVCS (i.e., providing “real-time video communications, including audio, to enable users to share information of the user’s choosing”) must comply with the accessibility requirements of the law.  

Video conferencing poses unique challenges for people with disabilities, and the availability of accessibility tools is highly uneven. Further, the provision of video relay service and other forms of TRS is not fully integrated with video conferencing.  The new rules take major steps to resolve these problems, updating the Commission’s accessibility performance objectives and facilitating the integrated provision of Video Relay Service and other relay services with video conferencing.  The Commission also seeks comment on further refinements to its rules to enhance disability access and facilitate the use of TRS in video conferences.

Action by the Commission September 26, 2024 by Second Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 24-95.  Chairwoman Rosenworcel, Commissioners Carr, Starks, Simington, and Gomez approving.  Chairwoman Rosenworcel, Commissioners Starks and Gomez issuing separate statements.

CG Docket Nos. 23-161, 10-213, 03-123

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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).