FCC Seeks Comment on FRNs Without SSNs
The FCC seeks comment on proposed improvements to the way it issues some FCC Registration Numbers (FRNs) that will allow users to be uniquely identified without using their Social Security numbers, said a Further NPRM released Thursday and approved by…
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commissioners. The proposal is intended to address privacy and data security concerns while still letting the FCC “obtain data reflecting a more useful, accurate, and thorough assessment of minority and female broadcast station ownership in the United States and reduce certain filing burdens,” the FNPRM said. “Ultimately, such changes to the Commission’s system could assist future initiatives promoting diverse ownership.” The new FRNs would be used only for the collection of data on broadcast ownership reports, and would be called Restricted Use FRNs. Under the proposed system, users would obtain a RUFRN by submitting alternate ID information “including full name, residential address, date of birth, and last four digits of the individual’s SSN,” the NPRM said. The FCC’s registration system (CORES) “will be programmed to verify that the submitted information is complete and does not duplicate any information that is already associated with an RUFRN in CORES,” the NPRM said. The new FRN’s aren’t proposed to be required, the NPRM said. “Individuals who already have a CORES FRN need not obtain an RUFRN and may continue to use the existing number,” it said. “Any individual that wishes to obtain a CORES FRN instead of an RUFRN will be able to do so.” The NPRM seeks comment on the proposal and whether it addresses privacy concerns.