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
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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!
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