FCC Tweaks Privacy Notice for Complaint Files
Published Date: 8/11/2026
Notice
Summary
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC, Commission, or Agency) proposes to modify an existing system of records, FCC/CGB-1, Informal Complaints, Inquiries, and Requests for Dispute Assistance, subject to the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended. This action is necessary to meet the requirements of the Privacy Act to publish in the Federal Register notice of the existence and character of records maintained by the agency. The Commission uses records in this system to handle and process informal complaints, inquiries, and requests for dispute assistance received from individuals, groups, and other entities. This modification makes various necessary changes and updates to accommodate new uses of the system to share certain anonymized or de-identified complaint data with the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Consumer Sentinel Network.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Complaint names may be disclosed publicly
If the FCC includes informal complaints in an order or Commission action, your name may be published in that document. If you request confidentiality, the Commission will endeavor to protect your name, but it may dismiss complaints that it determines impede its ability to investigate or resolve the complaint; these rules are effective August 11, 2026 with routine uses effective September 10, 2026 unless changed by comments.
FCC forwards complaints to companies
When a record involves an informal consumer complaint filed against a service provider (for example, broadband, telecommunications, broadcast, multi-channel video, VoIP, or accessibility issues), the FCC may forward the complaint to the subject company for a response. The modified system takes effect August 11, 2026 and the routine use authorizing such disclosures is scheduled to take effect September 10, 2026 unless comments require a change.
FCC shares robocall complaint data
The FCC may upload certain robocall complaint data (excluding complainant names, contact information, and other PII to the extent practical) to the Federal Trade Commission's Consumer Sentinel Network to support federal, state, local, Tribal, or international law enforcement. This change is part of the modified system effective August 11, 2026; the new routine use is scheduled to take effect September 10, 2026 unless comments require a change.
Anonymized complaint data made public
The FCC will make anonymized or otherwise de-identified complaint data publicly available to promote transparency and help third parties identify trends. The modified system is effective August 11, 2026 and the routine uses enabling such disclosures are scheduled to take effect September 10, 2026 unless comments require a change.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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