Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program., 57669-57670 [2021-22544]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 198 / Monday, October 18, 2021 / Notices expertise of the nominee; committee preference; the nominee’s curriculum vita and/or resume; and additional information that would be useful for considering the nomination such as background and qualifications (e.g., current position, educational background, expertise, research areas), experience relevant to one or more of ORD’s research programs, service on other advisory committees and professional societies, and availability to participate as a member of the Executive Committee and/or Subcommittee. Persons having questions about the nomination procedures, or who are unable to submit nominations through the BOSC website, should contact Mr. Tom Tracy, as indicated above under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this notice. Mary Ross, Director, Office of Science Advisor, Policy and Engagement. [FR Doc. 2021–22581 Filed 10–15–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION [FR ID: 53394] Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program. Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Notice of a new matching program. AGENCY: 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 Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Children and Family Services (DHS) (‘‘Agency’’). 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 November 17, 2021. This computer matching program will commence on November 17, 2021, and jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with NOTICES1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:28 Oct 15, 2021 Jkt 256001 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, 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, Public Law 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 Lifeline and EBBP PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 57669 applicants and subscribers by determining whether they receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits administered by the Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Children and Family Services. Participating Agencies Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Children and Family 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, 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 the existing agreement with Georgia, which permits matching only for the Lifeline program 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. E:\FR\FM\18OCN1.SGM 18OCN1 57670 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 198 / Monday, October 18, 2021 / Notices Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Notice. instructions for the implementation verification certifications that voice service providers granted an exemption from the Commission’s caller ID authentication rule must file. DATES: All certifications and associated supporting statements must be filed no later than October 4, 2021. ADDRESSES: All certifications and associated supporting statements must be filed electronically in WC Docket No. 20–68, Exemption from Caller ID Authentication Requirements, in the Commission’s Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS), available at https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs. Filers may request that any materials or information submitted to the Commission in their certifications be withheld from public inspection pursuant to the procedures set forth in section 0.459 of the Commission’s rules. However, effective March 19, 2020, and until further notice, the Commission no longer accepts any hand or messenger delivered filings. This is a temporary measure taken to help protect the health and safety of individuals, and to mitigate the transmission of COVID–19. See FCC Announces Closure of FCC Headquarters Open Window and Change in Hand-Delivery Policy, Public Notice, 35 FCC Rcd 2788 (March 19, 2020), https://www.fcc.gov/document/ fcc-closes-headquarters-open-windowand-changes-hand-delivery-policy. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information, please contact Alexander Hobbs, Competition Policy Division, Wireline Competition Bureau at (202) 418–7433 or by email at Alexander.Hobbs@fcc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This document is a summary of the Bureau’s Public Notice providing directions and filing instructions for the implementation verification certifications that voice service providers granted an exemption from the caller ID authentication rule must file, in WC Docket No. 20–68, DA 21– 1103, released on September 3, 2021. The full text of this document is available for public inspection at the following internet address: https:// docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-211103A1.pdf. To request materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities (e.g., braille, large print, electronic files, audio format, etc.), send an email to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) 418–0530 (voice), or (202) 418–0432 (TTY). In this document, the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) provides directions and filing Synopsis When Congress directed the Commission to mandate the 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, first name, and last name. The National Verifier will transfer these data elements to the Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Children and Family Services which will respond either ‘‘yes’’ or ‘‘no’’ that the individual is enrolled in a qualifying assistance program: SNAP administered by Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Children and Family Services. 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. Marlene Dortch, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2021–22544 Filed 10–15–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712–01–P FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION [WC Docket No. 20–68; DA 21–1103; FR ID 50348] jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with NOTICES1 Exemption From Caller ID Authentication Requirements AGENCY: SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:28 Oct 15, 2021 Jkt 256001 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 implementation of STIR/SHAKEN caller ID authentication by June 30, 2021, in the TRACED Act, it also required the Commission to grant exemptions from that mandate for voice service providers that could demonstrate early implementation progress by December 30, 2021. The Commission found that the TRACED Act created two exemptions: One for IP networks and one for non-IP networks. Under the Commission’s application of the TRACED Act, to receive the IP network exemption, a voice service provider was required to (i) have undertaken the network preparations necessary to deploy the STIR/SHAKEN protocols on its network; (ii) have completed formal registration (including payment) and testing with the Policy Administrator; (iii) have completed the necessary network upgrades to at least one network element to enable the authentication and verification of caller ID information consistent with the STIR/SHAKEN standards; and (iv) asserted that it reasonably foresaw that it would have completed all necessary network upgrades to its network infrastructure to be able to authenticate and verify caller ID information for all SIP calls exchanged with STIR/ SHAKEN-enabled partners by June 30, 2021. The Commission implemented this TRACED Act requirement via a certification process and delegated authority to the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) to make exemption determinations. Voice service providers seeking to qualify for the exemption were obligated to submit a certification and supporting statement by December 1, 2020, explaining in detail how they met each prong of the exemption sought. Because the fourth prong of the IP exemption was based on a voice service provider’s prediction of its future ability to implement STIR/ SHAKEN, the Commission foreclosed the possibility for abuse of this statutory provision and required any voice service provider granted an exemption to verify in a second certification, after June 30, 2021, that it achieved the implementation goals to which it first certified. Seven voice service providers sought exemptions for their IP networks. In December 2020, the Bureau found that all seven voice service providers— AT&T Service Inc. (AT&T), Bandwidth Inc. (Bandwidth), Charter Communications, Inc. (Charter), Comcast Cable Communications, LLC (Comcast, Cox Communications, Inc. (Cox), Cellco Partnership, d/b/a Verizon Wireless (Verizon Wireless), and Vonage Holding Corp. (Vonage)—qualified for E:\FR\FM\18OCN1.SGM 18OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 198 (Monday, October 18, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 57669-57670]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-22544]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

[FR ID: 53394]


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 Georgia Department 
of Human Services, Division of Children and Family Services (DHS) 
(``Agency''). 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 November 17, 2021. This 
computer matching program will commence on November 17, 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, 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, Public Law 
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 Lifeline and EBBP applicants and subscribers by determining whether 
they receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits 
administered by the Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of 
Children and Family Services.

Participating Agencies

    Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Children and 
Family 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, 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 the existing agreement with Georgia, which 
permits matching only for the Lifeline program 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.

[[Page 57670]]

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, first name, and last name. The National 
Verifier will transfer these data elements to the Georgia Department of 
Human Services, Division of Children and Family Services which will 
respond either ``yes'' or ``no'' that the individual is enrolled in a 
qualifying assistance program: SNAP administered by Georgia Department 
of Human Services, Division of Children and Family Services.

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.
Marlene Dortch,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2021-22544 Filed 10-15-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P
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