a Digital Communication Regulation Proposal by Joe Dean, founder of Veamcast
written with the help of various A.I. engines

The SECURE Act

Safe Electronic Communication and User Rights Enforcement Act

Overview

This proposal endorses the U.S. Postmaster taking responsibility for the delivery of all digital communications through a regulated delivery system. The system would regulate email and other communications, including social media, with safeguards for privacy, security, right to delivery, freedom from censorship, right to removal, and fair practices that incentivize innovation.

The Post Office was created in 1775, one year before the Declaration of Independence was signed. The Second Continental Congress appointed Benjamin Franklin as the first Postmaster General of the United States Post Office. In 1792, President George Washington signed the Postal Service Act, which formally created the Post Office Department and laid the groundwork for the modern postal system.

The Founding Fathers recognized the critical importance of secure and dependable communications for the fledgling democracy. A robust communication system was essential for fostering national unity, facilitating democratic participation, and ensuring the effective governance of a geographically expansive nation. The confidentiality of correspondence, exemplified by the encrypted letters exchanged among early leaders like James Madison and Thomas Jefferson, played a crucial role in the formation of the U.S. federal government. They realized the enduring need for protected communications in a democracy, as they enable the free exchange of ideas, protect individual privacy, and safeguard against potential threats to the nation's security and stability.

The Bell System was the monopoly that provided telephone services to most of the United States from 1877 to 1984. It began being regulated by the Communications Act of 1934. It operated under the FCC and had universal service requirements. It provided essential services like 411 directory assistance. Operators were available to help connect people and complete calls. Phone books were printed and sent universally so contact info was public info. Privacy could be obtained by unlisting yourself. These responsibilities were mandated by the Communications Act of 1934 and subsequent FCC regulations.

Today's communications have shifted from regulated public utilities to a tech oligopoly. The current digital gatekeepers face little oversight. Giant corporations like Microsoft (Outlook, LinkedIn), Google, Meta (Facebook/Instagram/WhatsApp), Amazon, AOL/Yahoo, and Apple now control our communications infrastructure, wielding unprecedented power over how we connect. These companies filter our messages, harvest our personal data, and commercialize our relationships with minimal transparency in any way that suits them. They run all our data through machine learning algorithms to find patterns to exploit.

Email is untrustworthy. HIPAA doesn't view it as secure enough. It should have been fixed instead of requiring countless healthcare systems.

Despite being a fundamental communication tool, email is plagued by numerous inherent flaws that compromise its effectiveness and security. The system suffers from vulnerability to phishing attacks and malware, lacks reliable encryption, and provides no guaranteed proof of delivery or receipt. Users constantly battle with inbox overload, spam, and storage limitations, while attempting to manage unwieldy email chains and attachment version control. Email can't handle large attachments despite our increasing need to share files. It's a mess.

Imagine:

Junk mail false positives are rising due to recent increased security poorly implemented. It's getting worse. The major email providers changed the way they determine deliverability and it's based on nebulus information that is not at all transparent.

This shift from public infrastructure to private control of essential communications - without the consumer protections or universal service requirements that historically existed - represents a profound risk to privacy, democracy, and social cohesion.

This proposal also endorses regulation of cloud platforms. The Internet was invented as a public, vastly distributed network and now Amazon serves aproximately 34% of all web traffic with Microsoft at roughly 24%. That is staggering considering the fact that many Americans think of Amazon as a retailer and don't have much awareness of its dominant cloud computing division, AWS.

Key Features

  1. Regulated Delivery System: Overseen by the U.S. Postmaster
  2. Scope: Covers email, social media, and other electronic communications
  3. Transparent Regulations: Federally enforced guidelines for communication delivery

Payment Structure

Safeguards

Expected Outcomes

The SECURE Act

(Safe Electronic Communication and User Rights Enforcement)

This proposal aims to address current issues with Big Tech's control over communication channels and personal data, bringing these critical services under more stringent regulation similar to traditional mail services.

I. Purpose and Scope

The SECURE Act aims to establish comprehensive federal guidelines for regulating digital communications, including email, instant messaging, and social media platforms. It creates a regulatory framework under the authority of the Postmaster General to promote efficient, secure, and fair practices in digital communications while prioritizing user privacy, enhancing user protection and experience, and ensuring open access to communication systems.

II. Definitions

This section will define key terms such as digital communication, email, instant messaging, social media, bulk sending, digital communication provider, personal data, privacy breach, data minimization, API, and interoperability.

III. Authority and Administration

The Postmaster General is hereby designated as the primary authority for overseeing digital communication regulations. A new Digital Communications Division shall be established within the U.S. Postal Service to administer the SECURE Act, with a dedicated Privacy Office to oversee all privacy-related matters and an API Standards Office to manage open communication systems requirements.

IV. Privacy Protection and Data Security

This section establishes comprehensive privacy protection measures for all digital communication platforms:

V. Regulation of Digital Communication Platforms

A. Email Services

B. Instant Messaging Platforms

C. Social Media Platforms

D. Streaming Services

E. Smart Home Products and IoT Devices

F. TV Operating Systems

G. Cloud Computing Services

H. News Organizations and Media Outlets

I. Passwordless Authentication Standards

To ensure secure, consistent, and user-friendly authentication across all digital communication platforms, providers must implement standardized passwordless authentication systems. This requirement supports the Act's goals of enhanced security, improved user experience, and reduced vulnerability to common attack vectors such as phishing and credential stuffing.

The shift toward biometric authentication represents a fundamental advancement in digital security. Biometric identifiers - including fingerprints, facial recognition, iris scans, and voice patterns - offer unique advantages over traditional passwords. These biological markers cannot be forgotten, are extremely difficult to duplicate, and provide a more natural and efficient user experience. However, their implementation requires careful consideration of privacy implications and secure storage practices. Unlike passwords, biometric data cannot be simply changed if compromised, making their protection paramount.

A. Core Requirements

B. Privacy Requirements

VI. User Rights and Protections

Define comprehensive user rights regarding data privacy, control, and portability. Establish a "Privacy Bill of Rights" for digital communication users, including the right to access, correct, and delete personal data, and the right to know how their data is being used. Implement universal opt-out mechanisms for unwanted communications.

VII. Checks on Big Tech Power

Mandate transparency in algorithmic decision-making. Enforce strict data privacy standards. Hold platforms accountable for the spread of misinformation. Prevent arbitrary censorship of lawful communications. Ensure interoperability and data portability between platforms. Prohibit the use of personal data for anti-competitive practices.

VIII. Open Communication Systems and API Access

This section mandates that large tech companies open their public communication systems through secure and accessible APIs (does not apply to private systems):

This will foster User-Friendly Interfaces: Open APIs that are certain to remain open will encourage third party developers to implement user-friendly interfaces that allow individuals to easily navigate and understand their data. This includes clear explanations of what each piece of data means and how it relates to their overall privacy rights. Innovative ways of filtering these communications will emerge which are superior to what is currently available and considered industry standard while being substandard.

IX. Economic Controls on Digital Communications

The U.S. Postal Service has effectively managed physical junk mail through a careful balance of economic incentives. While bulk mail rates make mass mailing possible, the tangible costs of printing, preparation, and postage create natural constraints on volume and encourage senders to target their audiences more carefully. This economic model has proven remarkably effective at preventing the postal system from being overwhelmed by spam while still enabling legitimate marketing communications.

Digital communications currently lack these economic constraints. The near-zero cost of sending email has created a "tragedy of the commons" where the absence of meaningful costs has led to rampant spam, compromising the utility of email for everyone. This Act establishes a similar economic framework for digital communications that has proven successful in physical mail.

A. Transparency in Sender Status

B. Economic Framework

C. Appeal and Reinstatement Process

D. Remediation Support

The system ensures that no sender is permanently banned without due process and clear opportunities for improvement. By combining economic incentives with transparent enforcement and clear remediation paths, this framework promotes responsible digital communication while providing fair treatment and support for all senders working to maintain or restore their good standing.

X. Digital Communication Provider Responsibilities

Define minimum standards for security, privacy, and user controls. Require regular auditing and public reporting. Mandate the implementation of anti-impersonation measures. Require providers to appoint a Chief Privacy Officer and implement Privacy by Design principles in all product development.

XI. Enforcement and Penalties

Outline clear enforcement procedures and penalties for non-compliance. Establish a whistleblower protection program for employees of digital communication providers. Implement severe penalties for privacy breaches, unauthorized data sharing, and violations of open API requirements.

XII. Implementation and Review

Set a phased implementation schedule. Establish a framework for regular review and adaptation of regulations to keep pace with technological advancements. Create an advisory board including technology experts, privacy advocates, user representatives, and API specialists. Conduct annual privacy impact assessments and API accessibility reviews of the Act's implementation.

XIII. International Cooperation

Establish frameworks for international cooperation in regulating cross-border digital communications. Promote the adoption of similar standards in other countries to create a globally coherent regulatory environment. Work towards international agreements on data privacy standards, cross-border data protection, and global standards for open APIs in digital communication systems.

XIV. Data Transparency

To further strengthen user rights and transparency regarding personal data, the SECURE Act will include provisions that allow users to view their data in a clear and accessible manner. This will involve:

XV. Large Attachments and Playlists

This section focuses on improving the handling of large files and media content in emails. The main goals appear to be:

  1. Enhancing security through cloud storage and encryption
  2. Improving user experience with easy-to-use interfaces and clear notifications
  3. Optimizing data transfer through compression and streaming protocols
  4. Implementing version control and collaborative features

These guidelines would significantly improve how large files are shared via email, addressing common pain points like size limits and security concerns. The emphasis on secure cloud storage and streaming protocols is particularly relevant in our increasingly media-rich digital communications.

XVI. HIPAA Compliance

This section outlines stringent measures to ensure email communications involving protected health information (PHI) meet HIPAA standards. Key points include:

  1. Mandatory end-to-end encryption for PHI
  2. Strict access controls and audit trails
  3. Secure options for healthcare providers, including email-to-fax capabilities
  4. Employee training and regular audits for email service providers
  5. Requirements for Business Associate Agreements (BAAs)

These guidelines would substantially enhance the security and compliance of email communications in healthcare settings. The focus on end-to-end encryption, access controls, and audit trails addresses critical aspects of protecting sensitive health information.

XVII. Prevention of Government Abuse and Surveillance

This section establishes stringent measures to prevent government overreach and protect citizens from unwarranted surveillance:

These measures aim to balance national security needs with individual privacy rights, ensuring that government surveillance is conducted only when necessary, under strict oversight, and with full respect for civil liberties.

XVIII. Public Content Moderation Framework

This Act establishes a unified public moderation system for all digital communications and publications. It aims to replace the protections provided by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996 with a more robust and accountable system of content moderation across all digital platforms.

The system will:

XIX. Mandatory Public Service Materials

All digital communication platforms and services covered under this Act must provide prominent access to essential public service materials and information. This requirement ensures that critical public information reaches citizens through all major digital channels.

A. Required Content Categories

1. Emergency Information

2. Civic Education

3. Public Health Resources

4. Consumer Protection

5. Environmental Information

B. Implementation Requirements

1. Accessibility

2. Presentation

3. Prominence

C. Quality and Accuracy Standards

1. Content Requirements

2. Update Procedures

D. Platform Responsibilities

1. Distribution Requirements

2. Reporting and Metrics

E. Oversight and Compliance

1. Monitoring

2. Enforcement

F. Innovation and Improvement

1. Technology Integration

2. Feedback Implementation

G. Public Service Materials API

1. API Requirements

2. Core Endpoints

GET /api/v1/public-service/ GET /api/v1/public-service/emergency GET /api/v1/public-service/civic GET /api/v1/public-service/health GET /api/v1/public-service/consumer GET /api/v1/public-service/environmental POST /api/v1/public-service/emergency (authorized entities only) PUT /api/v1/public-service/{id} (authorized entities only) DELETE /api/v1/public-service/{id} (authorized entities only)

3. Data Structure Standards

Example Response Structure: 
{
    "id": "psa-2024-001",
    "type": "emergency",
    "priority": "high",
    "title": {
        "en": "Emergency Weather Alert",
        "es": "Alerta de Clima de Emergencia"
    },
    "content": {
        "en": "Severe weather warning for...",
        "es": "Advertencia de clima severo para..."
    },
    "metadata": {
        "published": "2024-10-27T10:00:00Z",
        "expires": "2024-10-28T10:00:00Z",
        "version": "1.0",
        "source": "National Weather Service",
        "geographic_scope": {
            "type": "polygon",
            "coordinates": [...]
        }
    },
    "links": {
        "more_info": "https://weather.gov/alert/123",
        "related": [...]
    }
}

4. Authentication and Security

5. Integration Requirements

6. Performance Standards

7. Developer Support

8. Compliance and Monitoring

Suggested Additions

  1. Implementation Timeline

    • Add specific phase-in periods for different requirements
    • Include grace periods for smaller providers
    • Set clear deadlines for compliance

  2. Small Business Considerations

    • Add provisions for reduced requirements for small businesses
    • Include technical assistance programs
    • Provide extended compliance timelines

  3. Technical Standards Board

    • Create an advisory board for technical standards
    • Include industry experts and civil society representatives
    • Regular review and update mechanisms

  4. Innovation Sandbox

    • Create a safe harbor for testing new technologies
    • Include provisions for experimental features
    • Set clear boundaries for testing

Critical Gaps to Address

  1. Emergency Services Integration

    • Add requirements for emergency services access
    • Include provisions for location data
    • Specify response time requirements

  2. Identity Verification

    • Add standards for identity verification
    • Include privacy-preserving methods
    • Specify acceptable forms of verification

  3. Cost Recovery Mechanisms

    • Add specific funding mechanisms
    • Include fee structures
    • Specify usage of collected funds

  4. Interoperability Standards

    • Add specific technical standards
    • Include testing requirements
    • Specify certification processes

Recommendations for Enhancement

  1. Privacy Protection

    • Strengthen data minimization requirements
    • Add specific consent requirements
    • Include right to be forgotten provisions

  2. Security Requirements

    • Add specific security audit requirements
    • Include penetration testing standards
    • Specify incident response requirements

  3. User Rights

    • Strengthen user control over data
    • Add specific data portability requirements
    • Include user notification standards

  4. Enforcement Mechanisms

    • Add specific penalty structures
    • Include appeals processes
    • Specify enforcement authority

Technical Clarifications

  1. API Standards

    • Specify required endpoints
    • Include rate limiting guidelines
    • Add authentication requirements

  2. Data Formats

    • Specify acceptable data formats
    • Include validation requirements
    • Add schema definitions

  3. Security Protocols

    • Specify minimum encryption standards
    • Include key management requirements
    • Add audit logging standards

Administrative Framework

  1. Oversight Structure

    • Create clear reporting lines
    • Specify audit requirements
    • Include accountability measures

  2. Complaint Resolution

    • Add specific timeframes for resolution
    • Include escalation procedures
    • Specify documentation requirements

Notable Tenants to Preserve

  1. Comprehensive Scope

    • Covers all major digital communication platforms
    • Addresses both technical and policy concerns
    • Includes future-proofing provisions

  2. User Protection Focus

    • Strong privacy protections
    • Clear user rights
    • Comprehensive complaint mechanisms

  3. Technical Standards

    • Detailed API requirements
    • Clear security standards
    • Comprehensive data protection measures

Implementation Considerations

  1. Phase-In Periods

    • Suggest 18-24 months for initial compliance
    • Include longer periods for complex requirements
    • Add provisions for extensions

  2. Technical Assistance

    • Include provisions for technical support
    • Add resources for smaller providers
    • Include training requirements

  3. Cost Considerations

    • Add funding mechanisms
    • Include cost sharing provisions
    • Specify acceptable fee structures

  4. Future-Proofing

    • Add technology review mechanisms
    • Include update procedures
    • Specify adaptation processes

Technical Standards

Universal Digital Communications Protocol (UDCP)

(a) Standard Development:

(b) Implementation Requirements:

Section 202: API Standards

(a) Mandatory APIs:

(b) API Requirements:

APPENDICES

Appendix A: Technical Specifications

[Detailed technical requirements and standards]

Appendix B: Implementation Guidelines

[Detailed implementation guidance for providers]

Appendix C: Compliance Checklist

[Comprehensive compliance requirements]

Appendix D: Fee Schedule

[Detailed fee structures and calculations]