FCC Beefs Up Anti-Fraud Measures in Universal Service Records
Published Date: 2/25/2026
Notice
Summary
The FCC is updating its records system that tracks people involved with Universal Service Fund programs, like customers and participants who ask for help or file complaints. They’re adding a new way to share info with the Treasury Department to fight fraud. These changes kick in on February 25, 2026, with a chance to comment by March 27, 2026—no extra costs involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
New Treasury Do Not Pay Sharing
The FCC added a new routine use (Routine Use 14) allowing records to be shared with the U.S. Department of the Treasury to review payment and award eligibility through the Do Not Pay Working System. This sharing is for identifying, preventing, or recouping improper payments to applicants or recipients of Federal funds, and the routine use becomes effective March 27, 2026 unless comments change that date.
CRM Phase II Adds Lifeline and ACP
The FCC states the USAC Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system Phase II has launched and now incorporates Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) for customer support. That means people who use Lifeline or ACP can have their inquiries and case statuses handled through the unified CRM interface.
Sensitive Personal Data Collected
The CRM system will hold personal data including names, telephone numbers, email addresses, and may include Social Security numbers, dates of birth, home addresses, financial account numbers, taxpayer IDs, and driver's license or State ID information. This notice confirms those sensitive data categories are part of the system of records.
Broad Routine Uses for Fraud, Enforcement, and Breaches
The system of records authorizes many routine disclosures: to third‑party contractors and service providers, State/Tribal/local agencies, law enforcement (including the IRS), the Department of Justice, and non‑Federal personnel for purposes such as program management, enforcement, fraud prevention, and breach response. The notice also permits breach notifications and sharing to assist other agencies in responding to or preventing breaches.
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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: 2026-03739, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Occupational Requirements Survey
The Department of Labor is asking for public feedback on a survey that collects info about job duties and work demands across the country. This survey helps update data used by the Social Security Administration to make fair decisions about disability benefits. If you’re an employer, you might be asked to share info soon, and comments on this process are open until March 27, 2026.
Next: 2026-03741, Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
The FCC is updating its Lifeline Program records to better protect your info and fight fraud. This program helps low-income folks get discounts on phone and internet services. Changes take effect February 25, 2026, with a chance to comment by March 27, 2026—no extra costs involved, just smarter data handling!