Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program, 44363-44364 [2021-17343]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 153 / Thursday, August 12, 2021 / Notices OMB Control No.: 3060–1218. Title: Carriage of Digital Television Broadcast Signals: Amendment to Part 76 of the Commission’s Rules. Form No.: N/A. Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection. Respondents: Business or other forprofit entities. Number of Respondents and Responses: 11 respondents and 11 responses. Estimated Time per Response: 0.25 hours (15 minutes). Frequency of Response: Third party disclosure requirement and recordkeeping requirement. Total Annual Burden: 3 hours. Total Annual Cost Burden: None. Obligation to Respond: Required in order to monitor regulatory compliance. The statutory authority for this information collection is contained in sections 4, 303, 614, and 615 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. Nature and Extent of Confidentiality: There is no need for confidentiality with this collection of information. Privacy Act Impact Assessment: No impact(s). Needs and Uses: The information collection imposes a notification requirement on certain small cable systems that become ineligible for exemption from the requirement to carry high definition broadcast signals in HD (adopted in FCC 15–65). In particular, the information collection requires that, beginning December 12, 2016, at the time a small cable system utilizing the HD carriage exemption offers any programming in HD, the system must give notice that it is offering HD programming to all broadcast stations in its market that are carried on its system. Cable operators also must keep records of such notification. This information collection requirement allows affected broadcast stations to monitor compliance with the requirement that cable operators transmit high definition broadcast signals in HD. Federal Communications Commission. Marlene Dortch, Secretary, Office of the Secretary. [FR Doc. 2021–17151 Filed 8–11–21; 8:45 am] lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 BILLING CODE 6712–01–P FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION [FR ID: 42434] Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program Federal Communications Commission. AGENCY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:11 Aug 11, 2021 Jkt 253001 Notice of a new matching program. ACTION: In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (‘‘Privacy Act’’), this document announces the modification of a computer matching program the Federal Communications Commission (‘‘FCC’’ or ‘‘Commission’’ or ‘‘Agency’’) and the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) will conduct with the Iowa Department of Human Services (Department). The purpose of this matching program is to verify the eligibility of applicants to and subscribers of Lifeline (existing purpose) and the new Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, both of which are administered by USAC under the direction of the FCC. More information about these programs is provided in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. DATES: Written comments are due on or before September 13, 2021. This computer matching program will commence on September 13, 2021, and will conclude 18 months after the effective date. ADDRESSES: Send comments to Margaret Drake, FCC, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, or to Privacy@fcc.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Margaret Drake at 202–418–1707 or Privacy@fcc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Lifeline program provides support for discounted broadband and voice services to low-income consumers. Lifeline is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) under FCC direction. Consumers qualify for Lifeline through proof of income or participation in a qualifying program, such as Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), Federal Public Housing Assistance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, or various Tribal-specific federal assistance programs. The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBBP) was established by Congress in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, Pub. L. 116–260, 134 Stat. 1182. EBBP is a program that helps low-income Americans obtain discounted broadband service and one-time co-pay for a connected device (laptop, desktop computer or tablet). This program was created specifically to assist American families’ access to broadband, which has proven to be essential for work, school, and healthcare during the public health emergency that exists as a result SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 44363 of COVID–19. A household may qualify for the EBBP benefit under various criteria, including an individual qualifying for the FCC’s Lifeline program. In a Report and Order adopted on March 31, 2016 (81 FR 33026, May 24, 2016) (2016 Lifeline Modernization Order), the Commission ordered USAC to create a National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier (‘‘National Verifier’’), including the National Lifeline Eligibility Database (LED), that would match data about Lifeline applicants and subscribers with other data sources to verify the eligibility of an applicant or subscriber. The Commission found that the National Verifier would reduce compliance costs for Lifeline service providers, improve service for Lifeline subscribers, and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in the program. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 directs the FCC to leverage the National Verifier to verify applicants’ eligibility for EBBP. The purpose of this matching program is to verify the eligibility of EBBP applicants and subscribers by determining whether they receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits administered by the Iowa Department. Under FCC rules, consumers receiving these benefits qualify for Lifeline discounts and also for EBBP benefits. Participating Agencies Iowa Department of Human Services. Authority for Conducting the Matching Program The authority for the FCC’s EBBP is Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, Public Law 116–260, 134 Stat. 1182; 47 CFR part 54. The authority for the FCC’s Lifeline program is 47 U.S.C. 254; 47 CFR 54.400 through 54.423; Lifeline and Link Up Reform and Modernization, et al., Third Report and Order, Further Report and Order, and Order on Reconsideration, 31 FCC Rcd 3962, 4006–21, paras. 126–66 (2016) (2016 Lifeline Modernization Order). Purpose(s) In the 2016 Lifeline Modernization Order, the FCC required USAC to develop and operate the National Verifier to improve efficiency and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in the Lifeline program. The stated purpose of the National Verifier is ‘‘to increase the integrity and improve the performance of the Lifeline program for the benefit of a variety of Lifeline participants, including Lifeline providers, subscribers, states, community-based organizations, USAC, and the Commission.’’ 31 FCC Rcd 3962, 4006, E:\FR\FM\12AUN1.SGM 12AUN1 44364 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 153 / Thursday, August 12, 2021 / Notices para. 126. To help determine whether Lifeline applicants and subscribers are eligible for Lifeline benefits, the Order contemplates that the USAC-operated LED will communicate with information systems and databases operated by other Federal and State agencies. Id. at 4011– 2, paras. 135–7. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 directs the FCC to leverage the National Verifier to verify applicants’ eligibility for EBBP. The purpose of this modified matching agreement is to verify the eligibility of applicants and subscribers to Lifeline (existing purpose), as well as to the new EBBP and to other Federal programs that use qualification for Lifeline as an eligibility criterion. This new agreement would replace existing agreements with Iowa that permit matching for Lifeline and EBBP by checking an applicant’s/subscriber’s participation in SNAP. Under FCC rules, consumers receiving these benefits qualify for Lifeline discounts and also for EBBP benefits. Categories of Individuals The categories of individuals whose information is involved in the matching program include, but are not limited to, those individuals who have applied for Lifeline and/or EBBP benefits; are currently receiving Lifeline and/or EBBP benefits; are individuals who enable another individual in their household to qualify for Lifeline and/or EBBP benefits; are minors whose status qualifies a parent or guardian for Lifeline and/or EBBP benefits; or are individuals who have received Lifeline and/or EBBP benefits. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 Categories of Records The categories of records involved in the matching program include, but are not limited to, the last four digits of the applicant’s Social Security Number, date of birth, and last name. The National Verifier will transfer these data elements to the Iowa Department which will respond either ‘‘yes’’ or ‘‘no’’ that the individual is enrolled in a qualifying assistance program: Iowa Department of Human Services SNAP. System(s) of Records The records shared as part of this matching program reside in the Lifeline system of records, FCC/WCB–1, Lifeline, which was published in the Federal Register at 86 FR 11526 (Feb. 25, 2021). The records shared as part of this matching program reside in the EBBP system of records, FCC/WCB–3, Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, which was published in the Federal Register at 86 FR 11523 (Feb. 25, 2021). VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:11 Aug 11, 2021 Jkt 253001 Federal Communications Commission. Cecilia Sigmund, Associate Secretary, Office of the Secretary. [FR Doc. 2021–17343 Filed 8–11–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712–01–P FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION RIN 3064–ZA27 Request for Information on the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s Supervisory Approach to Examinations During the Pandemic Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). ACTION: Notice and request for information (RFI). AGENCY: The FDIC is seeking information and comments from financial institutions for which the FDIC is the primary Federal regulator regarding the FDIC’s supervisory approach to examinations during the pandemic, including on-site and off-site activities, use of technology, and communication methods. DATES: Comments must be received by October 12, 2021. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by RIN 3064–ZA27, by any of the following methods: • Agency website: https:// www.fdic.gov/resources/regulations/ federal-register-publications/. Follow the instructions for submitting comments on the Agency website. • Email: comments@fdic.gov. Include RIN 3064–ZA27 in the subject line of the message. • Mail: James P. Sheesley, Assistant Executive Secretary, Attention: Comments RIN 3064–ZA27, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, 550 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20429. • Hand Delivery/Courier: Comments may be hand-delivered to the guard station at the rear of the 550 17th Street NW building (located on F Street) on business days between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., EST. • Public Inspection: All comments received will be posted without change to https://www.fdic.gov/resources/ regulations/federal-registerpublications/, including any personal information provided, for public inspection. Paper copies of public comments may be ordered from the FDIC Public Information Center, 3501 North Fairfax Drive, Room E–1002, Arlington, VA 22226, or by telephone at 877–275–3342 or 703–562–2200. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: RaeAnn Miller, Senior Deputy Director, SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Division of Risk Management Supervision, rmiller@fdic.gov, 202–898– 3898; Michelle L. Cahill, Acting Senior Deputy Director, Division of Depositor and Consumer Protection; Bill Piervincenzi, Supervisory Counsel, Supervision, Legislation and Enforcement Branch, Legal Division, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, 550 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20429. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Information The FDIC has been performing on-site examinations of FDIC-supervised institutions since 1934, during which examiners review institutions’ records and meet with institution management and Boards of Directors to discuss findings. Safety and soundness examinations are conducted in accordance with Section 10(d) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDI Act). Section 10(d) requires the appropriate federal banking agency for an insured depository institution to conduct a fullscope, on-site examination at least once every 12 months, but permits a longer cycle—at least once every 18 months— for insured depository institutions that meet certain criteria.1 The FDIC also performs consumer compliance and Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) examinations to promote adherence to federal consumer protection and fair lending laws and regulations and the CRA. FDIC policy requires full-scope consumer compliance examinations to be conducted every 12 to 36 months depending on certain criteria such as an insured depository institution’s total assets and prior consumer compliance and CRA examination ratings. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act established intervals between CRA examinations for insured depository institutions with assets at certain levels and based on specific criteria. For a number of years prior to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19) pandemic, the FDIC has been leveraging advances in technology to allow examiners to conduct certain examination functions off-site that were previously performed on-site. The FDIC believes this leveraging of technology has improved the efficiencies in the examination process and helped reduce burden on the institution, enabling examiners to be more targeted and risk focused in the work performed on-site. On March 13, 2020, by Proclamation 9994, the President of the United States 1 See Section 10(b) and 10(d) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. (12 U.S.C. 1820). See also 83 FR 67033 (December 28, 2018). E:\FR\FM\12AUN1.SGM 12AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 153 (Thursday, August 12, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 44363-44364]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-17343]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

[FR ID: 42434]


Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Notice of a new matching program.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended 
(``Privacy Act''), this document announces the modification of a 
computer matching program the Federal Communications Commission 
(``FCC'' or ``Commission'' or ``Agency'') and the Universal Service 
Administrative Company (USAC) will conduct with the Iowa Department of 
Human Services (Department). The purpose of this matching program is to 
verify the eligibility of applicants to and subscribers of Lifeline 
(existing purpose) and the new Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, 
both of which are administered by USAC under the direction of the FCC. 
More information about these programs is provided in the SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION section below.

DATES: Written comments are due on or before September 13, 2021. This 
computer matching program will commence on September 13, 2021, and will 
conclude 18 months after the effective date.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to Margaret Drake, FCC, 45 L Street NE, 
Washington, DC 20554, or to [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Margaret Drake at 202-418-1707 or 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Lifeline program provides support for 
discounted broadband and voice services to low-income consumers. 
Lifeline is administered by the Universal Service Administrative 
Company (USAC) under FCC direction. Consumers qualify for Lifeline 
through proof of income or participation in a qualifying program, such 
as Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), 
Federal Public Housing Assistance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), 
Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, or various Tribal-specific 
federal assistance programs.
    The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBBP) was established by 
Congress in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, Pub. L. 116-
260, 134 Stat. 1182. EBBP is a program that helps low-income Americans 
obtain discounted broadband service and one-time co-pay for a connected 
device (laptop, desktop computer or tablet). This program was created 
specifically to assist American families' access to broadband, which 
has proven to be essential for work, school, and healthcare during the 
public health emergency that exists as a result of COVID-19. A 
household may qualify for the EBBP benefit under various criteria, 
including an individual qualifying for the FCC's Lifeline program.
    In a Report and Order adopted on March 31, 2016 (81 FR 33026, May 
24, 2016) (2016 Lifeline Modernization Order), the Commission ordered 
USAC to create a National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier (``National 
Verifier''), including the National Lifeline Eligibility Database 
(LED), that would match data about Lifeline applicants and subscribers 
with other data sources to verify the eligibility of an applicant or 
subscriber. The Commission found that the National Verifier would 
reduce compliance costs for Lifeline service providers, improve service 
for Lifeline subscribers, and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in the 
program.
    The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 directs the FCC to 
leverage the National Verifier to verify applicants' eligibility for 
EBBP. The purpose of this matching program is to verify the eligibility 
of EBBP applicants and subscribers by determining whether they receive 
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits administered 
by the Iowa Department. Under FCC rules, consumers receiving these 
benefits qualify for Lifeline discounts and also for EBBP benefits.

Participating Agencies

    Iowa Department of Human Services.

Authority for Conducting the Matching Program

    The authority for the FCC's EBBP is Consolidated Appropriations Act 
of 2021, Public Law 116-260, 134 Stat. 1182; 47 CFR part 54. The 
authority for the FCC's Lifeline program is 47 U.S.C. 254; 47 CFR 
54.400 through 54.423; Lifeline and Link Up Reform and Modernization, 
et al., Third Report and Order, Further Report and Order, and Order on 
Reconsideration, 31 FCC Rcd 3962, 4006-21, paras. 126-66 (2016) (2016 
Lifeline Modernization Order).

Purpose(s)

    In the 2016 Lifeline Modernization Order, the FCC required USAC to 
develop and operate the National Verifier to improve efficiency and 
reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in the Lifeline program. The stated 
purpose of the National Verifier is ``to increase the integrity and 
improve the performance of the Lifeline program for the benefit of a 
variety of Lifeline participants, including Lifeline providers, 
subscribers, states, community-based organizations, USAC, and the 
Commission.'' 31 FCC Rcd 3962, 4006,

[[Page 44364]]

para. 126. To help determine whether Lifeline applicants and 
subscribers are eligible for Lifeline benefits, the Order contemplates 
that the USAC-operated LED will communicate with information systems 
and databases operated by other Federal and State agencies. Id. at 
4011-2, paras. 135-7. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 
directs the FCC to leverage the National Verifier to verify applicants' 
eligibility for EBBP.
    The purpose of this modified matching agreement is to verify the 
eligibility of applicants and subscribers to Lifeline (existing 
purpose), as well as to the new EBBP and to other Federal programs that 
use qualification for Lifeline as an eligibility criterion. This new 
agreement would replace existing agreements with Iowa that permit 
matching for Lifeline and EBBP by checking an applicant's/subscriber's 
participation in SNAP. Under FCC rules, consumers receiving these 
benefits qualify for Lifeline discounts and also for EBBP benefits.

Categories of Individuals

    The categories of individuals whose information is involved in the 
matching program include, but are not limited to, those individuals who 
have applied for Lifeline and/or EBBP benefits; are currently receiving 
Lifeline and/or EBBP benefits; are individuals who enable another 
individual in their household to qualify for Lifeline and/or EBBP 
benefits; are minors whose status qualifies a parent or guardian for 
Lifeline and/or EBBP benefits; or are individuals who have received 
Lifeline and/or EBBP benefits.

Categories of Records

    The categories of records involved in the matching program include, 
but are not limited to, the last four digits of the applicant's Social 
Security Number, date of birth, and last name. The National Verifier 
will transfer these data elements to the Iowa Department which will 
respond either ``yes'' or ``no'' that the individual is enrolled in a 
qualifying assistance program: Iowa Department of Human Services SNAP.

System(s) of Records

    The records shared as part of this matching program reside in the 
Lifeline system of records, FCC/WCB-1, Lifeline, which was published in 
the Federal Register at 86 FR 11526 (Feb. 25, 2021).
    The records shared as part of this matching program reside in the 
EBBP system of records, FCC/WCB-3, Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, 
which was published in the Federal Register at 86 FR 11523 (Feb. 25, 
2021).

Federal Communications Commission.
Cecilia Sigmund,
Associate Secretary, Office of the Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2021-17343 Filed 8-11-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P
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