FCC Revises Privacy Rules for Accessible Telephone Relay Service Users
Published Date: 10/19/2026
Notice
Summary
The FCC is updating its database that helps people who are deaf or have speech disabilities use special phone services. They’re adding new rules about how personal info is handled and improving transparency. These changes kick in on October 19, 2026, with a chance for public feedback until November 18, 2026—no extra costs involved!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Your ITRS Registration Stores Personal Data
If you register for Video Relay Service (VRS) or Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Service (IP CTS), the FCC's ITRS-URD will store personal information such as full name, full residential address, date of birth, telephone number, users' registered location for emergency calling, eligibility certifications, VRS/IP CTS initiation and termination dates, and the last four digits of Social Security numbers or Tribal identification numbers (or alternative ID). This information is used to determine eligibility to participate in TRS programs and to validate registrations.
Third-Party Contractors Host and Access Records
The ITRS-URD is administered by a third-party contractor and the electronic data will reside in the administrator's databases and in the databases of third-party contractors and subcontractors. Contractor and subcontractor employees may access records to perform verification, fraud prevention, and other administration/operations tasks for the ITRS programs.
Records Shared to Prevent Improper Payments
The FCC may disclose records from the ITRS-URD to Federal agencies, non-Federal entities, contractors, and to the U.S. Department of the Treasury/Do Not Pay Working System to detect, prevent, and recover improper payments and to detect fraud, waste, and abuse in programs and payments. Disclosures can be used to verify pre-award and prepayment requirements prior to release of Federal funds.
FCC Will Collect and Share Provider Suspension History
The system now includes suspension and debarment history and current status for ITRS program providers and may disclose that information to other Federal agencies considering suspension or debarment actions. The new routine use for Suspension and Debarment Disclosure will become effective on November 18, 2026, unless comments require a contrary determination.
Government Agencies Can Get Records to Verify Eligibility
The FCC may disclose ITRS-URD records to appropriate Federal, State, Tribal, or local authorities, and to designated State or Tribal agencies and their agents, to verify whether individuals are eligible under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and to administer TRS/ITRS programs and determine eligibility. Such disclosures support administration, oversight, and eligibility determinations for TRS services.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-21314, Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
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 rule about sharing info for suspension and debarment purposes. These changes kick in on October 19, 2026, with a chance to comment by November 18, 2026—no extra costs involved, just clearer privacy rules!
Next: 2026-21318, Information Collection Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
The FCC is asking for your thoughts on how to make their paperwork easier, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. They want to cut down on the hassle and are open to ideas until November 18, 2026. If you have suggestions, now’s the time to speak up and help shape smarter, simpler rules!