FCC prohibits U.S. hams from contacting foreign stations

In 1940, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) imposed a prohibition on U.S. amateur radio operators (hams) from contacting foreign stations. This restriction was implemented as a security measure in the lead-up to and during World War II to prevent potential espionage and ensure the security of communication channels. The ban on international amateur radio communications aimed to safeguard military and strategic information during a time of heightened global tension. This prohibition significantly limited the activities of amateur radio operators, who had to confine their communications to domestic contacts until the restriction was lifted after the war, allowing the resumption of international amateur radio operations.