FCC Tweaks Financial Records Privacy for Better Treasury Ties
Published Date: 2/25/2026
Notice
Summary
The FCC is updating its Financial Operations records system to keep your info safe and follow new government rules. These changes add a new way the Treasury Department can use data and tweak how law enforcement accesses it. The updates kick in on February 25, 2026, with a chance to comment by March 27, 2026—no extra costs for you!
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 6 costs, 0 mixed.
Treasury 'Do Not Pay' Data Sharing
The FCC added a new routine use allowing records to be disclosed to the U.S. Department of the Treasury to review payment and award eligibility through the Treasury "Do Not Pay" working system to identify, prevent, or recoup improper payments. This change is part of the FOIS update and the routine uses become effective March 27, 2026 unless comments require otherwise.
DOJ Drug‑Debarment Matching Publicized
The FCC will match CORES records against the Department of Justice Drug Debarment List and make match results (with redactions for date of birth and Social Security number) and related correspondence part of the applicant's public file. This applies to applicants or recipients who appear in the DOJ Drug Debarment database.
Child‑Support Data Sharing for Enforcement
The FCC's FOIS may disclose employees' names, Social Security numbers, addresses, dates of birth, dates of hire, quarterly earnings, and employer data to the Office of Child Support Enforcement (HHS) to help locate individuals and establish or modify child support orders as required by welfare‑reform laws.
Broader Law‑Enforcement Disclosure
The FCC revised its law-enforcement routine use so the agency may disclose records to appropriate federal, state, tribal, local, or international investigative or prosecuting agencies when records indicate a violation or potential violation. The change is effective February 25, 2026, and routine uses take effect March 27, 2026 unless comments change that.
FRN Registrant Information Made Public
The FCC routinely makes FCC Registration Numbers (FRNs) and certain non-sensitive information provided by people and entities who register to do business with the Commission publicly available. This affects people who register for an FRN to transact with the FCC.
Pay.gov Name/Address Disclosure
When you choose to pay the FCC online using the Treasury's Pay.gov system, your name and address may be disclosed to the Department of the Treasury to facilitate collection of fees. This is stated as a routine use in the revised FOIS.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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