The Federal Communications Commission said fcc data privacy enforcement is a growing priority as communications providers gather detailed calling, location, and pattern of life information about consumers.
The Enforcement Bureau recognizes the seriousness of privacy, data protection, and cybersecurity concerns in investigations that often overlap those issues, and it reported hiring senior staff with backgrounds in consumer privacy and data protection.
The bureau also said senior leadership includes individuals with extensive government and private sector experience in national security, foreign investment, data protection, and cybersecurity, reflecting its view of privacy risks tied to connectivity services.
The Commission explained that modern devices and networks produce data that can answer who, where, when, and how, and that historical communications data can enable predictive modeling and pattern-of-life analysis.
FCC Privacy Program And Records Management
The FCC published a Privacy Program web page describing systems of records, computer matching agreements, Privacy Act request procedures, and implementation rules at 47 CFR Sections 0.551 through 0.561.
The page lists numerous Systems of Records with Federal Register citations and publication dates, including entries such as FCC-1 Outreach 86 FR 46250 8/18/2021, FCC-2 Business Contacts and Certifications 91 FR 9255 2/25/2026, and FCC/EB-5 Enforcement Bureau Activity Tracking System 88 FR 72071 10/19/2023.
The Commission notes some systems are government-wide and that specific Systems of Records are totally or partially exempt from portions of the Privacy Act, citing exemptions for EBATS, Personnel Security Files, Investigative Files, and archival radio operator records along with their Federal Register references.
The FCC described how individuals may make Privacy Act requests, requiring identification of the relevant system of records and identity verification, and providing forms such as the FCC Privacy Identity Affirmation Access Form and a Consent Form.
Contact information appears on the Privacy Program page, including an email address Privacy@fcc.gov and a mailing address for the Privacy Team at the Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE Washington, DC 20554.
The page also lists the Acting Senior Agency Official for Privacy Shana M. Yates, Privacy Attorney Advisors Katie Morehead and Irene Ly, and Privacy Analyst Danielle Pruden, as well as links to Privacy Impact Assessments and the Data Integrity Board’s annual matching activity reviews for fiscal years 2016 through 2025.
