Industry groups want Commerce Dept. ICTS rule paused, call for voluntary licensing process

Tech and telecom groups are urging the Commerce Department to pause its implementation of a rule that allows it to block information and communications technology and services transactions involving entities from a so-called “foreign adversary,” at least until the department implements a voluntary pre-clearance process.

The interim rule, issued in the waning days of the Trump administration, drew widespread condemnation from the ICT industry for being vague and overly broad and warning it could severely hamper business. The Commerce Department...