FCC Strengthens Business Data Privacy Against Fraudsters
Published Date: 2/25/2026
Notice
Summary
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!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
Records Shared with Treasury Do Not Pay
The FCC will disclose records from FCC-2 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. This routine use (No. 13) becomes effective March 27, 2026 unless comments require otherwise.
Data Sharing to Detect Fraud and Improper Payments
The FCC added a routine use (No. 14) allowing disclosure of FCC-2 records to Federal and non-Federal entities, contractors, and their agents to detect, prevent, and recover improper payments and to verify pre-award and prepayment requirements. This routine use becomes effective March 27, 2026 unless comments require otherwise.
Records May Be Shared With Law Enforcement
When the FCC determines a record indicates a violation or potential violation of law or FCC obligations, FCC-2 records may be disclosed to appropriate Federal, State, local, Tribal, international, or multinational law enforcement and investigative agencies. The modified system is effective February 25, 2026.
Your Contact Info May Be Published
If you provide business contact information or certifications to the FCC, that contact information and certifications may be made available for public inspection and included in Commission releases. This change is part of the FCC-2 system modification effective February 25, 2026, with routine uses effective March 27, 2026.
Breach Response Sharing and Notifications
If the FCC suspects or confirms a breach of personally identifiable information in FCC-2, records may be disclosed to appropriate agencies, entities, or persons to respond to the breach, and the FCC may share records to help other Federal agencies respond to or remediate suspected or confirmed breaches. These provisions are part of the modified FCC-2 system effective February 25, 2026.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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