Regulatory Watch  /  United States (federal)  /  Final regulation
High impactFinal regulationIn effect

FCC modifies Lifeline Program system of records (FCC/WCB-1) under the Privacy Act

The Federal Communications Commission is amending the FCC/WCB-1 system of records that supports the Lifeline Program, which provides discounted voice and broadband services to low‑income households. The amendment updates the categories of records maintained and adds a new routine use. The change is effective on 2026‑10‑19.

Why it matters: The update revises how personal and income information for Lifeline participants is recorded and used, impacting privacy protections for low‑income consumers.

Summary generated from the sources below. Check the primary source before relying on it; this is not legal advice.

Sources
Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
Federal Register (privacy, cybersecurity, AI documents) · primary source · Oct 19, 2026
Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
Federal Register (privacy, cybersecurity, AI documents) · Oct 19, 2026
Details
JurisdictionUnited States (federal)
RegulatorFederal Communications Commission
LawPrivacy Act of 1974
StatusIn effect
PublishedOctober 19, 2026
EffectiveOctober 19, 2026
OrganisationsFederal Communications Commission, Universal Service Administrative Company
Topicsprivacy, access, deletion, transparency, purpose limitation, data minimization
Datapersonal, sensitive