FCC Updates Privacy for Deaf Phone Services Database
Published Date: 2/25/2026
Notice
Summary
The FCC is updating its database that helps people who are deaf or have speech disabilities use special phone services. They’re making some changes to how they handle personal info and adding a new way they might share it. These updates kick in on February 25, 2026, with a chance to comment by March 27, 2026—no extra costs involved, just smoother service and better privacy rules!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Records Checked Against Treasury's 'Do Not Pay'
Your ITRS-URD registration records may 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 can be used to identify, prevent, or recoup improper payments and is effective March 27, 2026 unless comments change that date.
Expanded Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Disclosures
The FCC is expanding routine uses that allow ITRS-URD records to be disclosed to federal and non-federal agencies, contractors, and agents for managing and eliminating fraud, waste, and abuse. These disclosures may be used for audits, oversight, and investigations and become effective March 27, 2026 unless comments change that date.
Automated Identity Checks for Registration
The ITRS-URD will use automated validation of registration information so that authorized VRS and IP CTS providers cannot register individuals who do not pass the identification verification check. This verification supports eligibility checks and is part of the modified system effective February 25, 2026.
Third-Party Contractors Host and Access Your PII
The ITRS-URD administrator and third-party contractors and subcontractors will host and store electronic records (names, addresses, last four SSN or Tribal ID, dates of birth, phone numbers, emergency location info, eligibility documents). The system notes safeguards under FISMA and NIST and includes breach notification procedures; the modification is effective February 25, 2026.
Emergency Location Info Collected for Calls
The system will collect users' registered location information for emergency calling purposes, including location data that providers must request to validate users. This collection supports emergency response and is part of the modified system effective February 25, 2026.
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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: 2026-03741, 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!
Next: 2026-03743, Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program
The FCC and USAC are teaming up with the Department of Health and Human Services to double-check who qualifies for Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which help low-income families get affordable internet and phone service. This new computer matching program starts March 27, 2026, runs for 18 months, and aims to keep the programs fair and on track. If you’re involved, watch for updates and get ready to share info to keep your benefits.