Accessible Emergency Information, and Apparatus Requirements for Emergency Information and Video Description: Implementation of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010
In this document, the Commission proposes to revise the Audible Crawl Rule, which requires video programming providers and distributors to make non-textual visual emergency information provided during non-newscast programming accessible via a secondary audio stream. The revised rule would provide that the accessibility requirement is met if a textual crawl provides emergency information duplicative of or equivalent to non-textual visual emergency information, so long as the textual crawl is also conveyed aurally.
What this rule actually says
The FCC is proposing to update how video content providers must handle emergency alerts (think: crawling text warnings during broadcasts). Right now, if non-text emergency info appears on screen during non-newscast programming, it must also play as audio. The new rule would let providers skip the audio version if they instead show text on screen AND read that text aloud.
Who it applies to
- If you're a US-based video programming provider or distributor: this likely applies.
- If you build AI tools that generate video content (like automated video summaries, streaming platforms, or video hosting): check if you're distributing video with emergency information overlays.
- If you're making AI medical scribes, hiring assistants, or text-based chatbots: this almost certainly doesn't apply. You're not distributing video programming.
- If you build AI that creates subtitles or audio descriptions: only relevant if your AI is part of a larger video distribution service subject to FCC rules.
- Jurisdictionally: US only. This is an FCC rule.
- Scope question: This covers emergency information *displayed during video content*. It does not cover general AI accessibility, transcription services, or non-emergency informational overlays.
What founders need to do
- Assess whether you distribute video content (1-2 hours): Does your product stream or distribute video to end users? If no, stop here. If yes, continue.
- Monitor the FCC docket (ongoing, minimal effort): This is currently *proposed* as of May 2026. It's not law yet. Subscribe to FCC updates on 21st Century Communications accessibility rulings. Rules typically take 12-24 months from proposal to finalization.
- If you do distribute video, audit emergency information handling (2-3 days): Document how your platform currently handles emergency alerts. Do you show text overlays? Audio alerts? Both? Neither? You need a clear inventory.
- When the rule finalizes, update your video pipeline (1-2 weeks): Ensure any emergency information that appears as text on screen is *also* read aloud, or appears as aural text only. If your AI generates emergency overlays, add text-to-speech.
- Document compliance (1 day): Keep records showing how you meet the requirement. The FCC may request evidence.
Bottom line
Ignore this unless you're building a video distribution platform; if you are one, monitor for finalization and plan a straightforward technical update in late 2026 or 2027.