Helping Poor Folks Get Internet: FCC Updates Privacy Rules
Published Date: 2/25/2026
Notice
Summary
The FCC is updating its records system for the Affordable Connectivity Program, which helps low-income families get cheaper internet. This change adds a new way the FCC can share info, and it kicks in on February 25, 2026. If you want to speak up about these changes, you’ve got until March 27, 2026, to send your comments.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
Treasury 'Do Not Pay' Sharing Added
If you apply for or receive Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) benefits, the FCC may disclose your records to the U.S. Department of the Treasury to review payment and award eligibility through the Do Not Pay Working System to identify, prevent, or recoup improper payments to an applicant or recipient of Federal funds (including state-administered, federally funded programs). This routine use is listed as effective March 27, 2026, unless comments require a contrary determination.
Government Eligibility Checks Allowed
Federal, State, Local, and Tribal agencies (and designated entities) may receive ACP records for purposes of eligibility verification and recertification, including through a computer matching program. That means agencies can check your ACP application and recertification data to confirm whether you qualify.
Your ACP Data Shared With ISPs
Broadband providers and their registered representatives may receive ACP records to confirm your eligibility, complete benefit transfers, de-enroll households, and enable the provider to receive reimbursement through the ACP. Your enrollment representative status and selected reports may also be shared with providers.
Extensive Personal Data Collected
The ACP system collects and stores detailed personal information about applicants and participants, including names, dates of birth, last four digits of Social Security numbers, full Tribal identification numbers, Veterans Administration identification numbers, IP addresses, residential and mailing addresses (including geocodes), eligibility documents, ACP application and subscriber IDs, and amounts of discounts and device benefits. Paper documents will be digitized and destroyed after digitization, and records are retained per a NARA schedule.
Records Can Be Shared With IRS, Law Enforcement
The FCC may disclose ACP records to law enforcement and investigating agencies, including the Internal Revenue Service, when it determines records indicate a violation or potential violation or when income eligibility verification is needed. Such disclosures can be used in investigations, prosecutions, or enforcement actions.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous: 2026-03736, Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
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