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
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-16996, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collections. Comments are requested concerning: whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and ways to further reduce the information collection burden on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees. The FCC may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the PRA that does not display a valid OMB control number.
2026-16995, Information Collection Being Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for Emergency Review and Approval
As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection. Comments are requested concerning: Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and ways to further reduce the information collection burden on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees. The Commission may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the PRA that does not display a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number.
2026-16993, Information Collections Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collections. Comments are requested concerning: whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and ways to further reduce the information collection burden on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees.
2026-16997, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collections. Comments are requested concerning: whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and ways to further reduce the information collection burden on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees.
2026-16740, Information Collection Being Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for Emergency Review and Approval
As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection. Comments are requested concerning: Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and ways to further reduce the information collection burden on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees. The Commission may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the PRA that does not display a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number.
2026-16615, Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions-2026
Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review (Sep. 30, 1993), requires each agency to publish a regulatory agenda (Agenda) of regulations under development or review during the next year which will be included in the Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions (Unified Agenda). 58 FR 51735 (Oct. 4, 1993). The Agenda required by Executive Order 12866 must include all regulations the agency expects to develop or review during the next 12 months, regardless of whether they may have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Executive Order 12866 provides that agencies may combine this agenda with the regulatory flexibility agenda required under the RFA. To help keep the public informed of significant rulemaking proceedings and meet its obligations under the RFA and Executive Order 12866, the Commission has prepared Agenda entries providing a brief description and summary of each regulatory activity that is currently planned for the 12 months, subject to revision, including the objectives and legal basis for each, and the name and telephone number of an agency official who is knowledgeable about items in the agenda. The Commission's Agenda entries published in the Federal Register are only those entries for rules that are likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities pursuant to the RFA. The Commission's complete list of regulatory and deregulatory actions for the Unified Agenda will be published on the internet in a searchable format at www.reginfo.gov.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-03736, Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
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!
Next: 2026-03738, Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
The FCC is updating its Business Contacts and Certifications records to add two new ways they can share info to fight fraud and protect your data. This affects businesses and government groups who provide info to the FCC. The changes kick in on February 25, 2026, with a chance to comment by March 27, 2026—no extra costs involved, just better protection and transparency!