OFAC compliance
OFAC compliance in the Technology, AI and Competition sector is under active pressure, with the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control tightening scrutiny on cloud infrastructure providers, semiconductor exporters, and AI model licensors that touch sanctioned jurisdictions. The U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security has layered export control rules on top of OFAC's SDN-list obligations, meaning technology firms now face dual-agency exposure on a single transaction. Compliance teams are auditing API access logs and third-party reseller agreements against OFAC's 50 Percent Rule before renewing enterprise contracts.
Watch
- OFAC 50 Percent Rule applied to AI model sublicensing and API distribution chains
- BIS Entity List additions targeting semiconductor and advanced computing suppliers
- Cloud service provider blocking obligations under OFAC's Russia-related General Licenses
- Treasury OFAC civil penalty pattern: self-disclosure credit in technology sector settlements
Recent material activity in Technology, AI & Competition
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FCC proposes routine national security conditions for submarine cable landing licensees and SLTE owners
The FCC adopted a Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on July 27, 2026, seeking comment on standardized conditions for submarine cable landing licensees. The proceeding designates submarine line terminal equipme…
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FCC adopts Second Report and Order creating new licensing regime for submarine cable terminal equipment operators
The FCC adopted a Second Report and Order on July 27, 2026, establishing a licensing framework for submarine line terminal equipment owners and operators. The order introduces blanket licenses, routine and national secur…
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European Commission opens Phase II investigation into proposed Saipem and Subsea7 merger in offshore energy services
The European Commission has opened a Phase II in-depth investigation into the proposed merger between Saipem S.p.A. and Subsea 7 S.A., citing serious competition concerns. The preliminary review identified potential harm…
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European Commission approves €54 million Luxembourg State aid scheme for transport operators facing elevated fuel costs
The European Commission has approved a €54 million Luxembourg State aid scheme supporting road and rail transport firms affected by increased fuel prices. The approval confirms compatibility with EU State aid rules under…
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CMA opens Phase 1 merger inquiry into nexfibre's anticipated acquisition of Substantial, including Netomnia, Brsk, and YouFibre
The Competition and Markets Authority launched a merger inquiry on July 24, 2026 into the anticipated acquisition of Substantial and its subsidiaries by the joint venture nexfibre, owned by Liberty Global, Telefónica, an…
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DOJ files proposed final judgment against OhioHealth Corporation in hospital merger antitrust action
The Department of Justice, joined by state co-plaintiffs, filed a proposed final judgment and competitive impact statement against OhioHealth Corporation on July 23, 2026. The filing opens the Tunney Act public-comment p…
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CMA serves initial enforcement order on Co-operative Group acquisition of Southern Co-operative as Phase 1 review opens
The Competition and Markets Authority served an initial enforcement order on July 23, 2026 on Co-operative Group Limited and Siena Co-operative Limited under the Enterprise Act 2002. The order takes effect at the pre-not…
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European Commission approves €300 million Irish State aid scheme providing temporary electricity price relief to energy-intensive industries
The European Commission has approved a €300 million Irish State aid scheme under the EU State aid Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework, providing temporary electricity cost relief to energy-intensive companies opera…
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CMA opens pre-notification comment period on Sky UK's anticipated acquisition of ITV ahead of formal Phase 1 investigation
The Competition and Markets Authority published an invitation to comment on 23 July 2026 on Sky UK Limited's anticipated acquisition of ITV M&E Holdings Limited. The comment window closes 6 August 2026, before formal Pha…
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FTC distributes $672,000 in redress checks to 9,419 consumers harmed by Trend Deploy deceptive marketing
The FTC announced on July 22, 2026 that it is mailing 9,419 checks totaling more than $672,000 to consumers deceived by Trend Deploy operator Frank Romero. JND Legal Administration is administering the redress program. C…
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