This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning ICT, cloud computing, digital infrastructure, social media platforms, digital privacy, AI, cybersecurity, blockchain, Web3 and cryptocurrencies. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to track other GR news in adjacent industries? Don't miss this week's updates in Finance and Defence. Also consider subscribing to our ICT & Cybersecurity - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.

Dates: 2026-02-22 to 2026-02-28

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

FCC Launches Medicaid Computer Matching Program for Lifeline and ACP

The Federal Communications Commission initiated a computer matching program with the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, to verify eligibility for Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) applicants and subscribers. The program will use the National Verifier to cross-reference applicants' data with Medicaid enrollment records. The effort, running for 18 months starting March 27, 2026, involves the exchange of Social Security numbers, birth dates, and names, allowing the FCC to confirm participation in Medicaid. Comments on the program are open until March 27, 2026, and records are maintained in the FCC's Lifeline and ACP systems.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Expands Computer Matching for Lifeline and ACP Eligibility with Puerto Rico

The FCC announced a new computer matching program involving the Universal Service Administrative Company and Puerto Rico's Department of the Family. The program seeks to verify Lifeline and ACP eligibility by cross-referencing applicants’ records with Puerto Rico's PAN program enrollment, using the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier. Authorized under 47 U.S.C. 1752 and 47 U.S.C. 254, the program runs for 18 months from March 27, 2026, with public comments due by March 27. Data exchanged includes Social Security numbers, birth dates, and names to ascertain qualifying assistance status.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Announces Wisconsin Matching Program for Lifeline and ACP

The FCC, in coordination with USAC, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, launched a computer matching program to verify eligibility for Lifeline and ACP applicants. This initiative will cross-check applicant information against DHS and DOR records using the National Verifier, confirming participation in qualifying assistance programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, and SSI. The program is effective March 27, 2026, for 18 months, and incorporates Social Security numbers, birth dates, and names in its verification process. Comments must be submitted by March 27, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Initiates Michigan Matching Program for Lifeline and ACP

The Federal Communications Commission established a computer matching program with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and USAC to verify eligibility for Lifeline and ACP. Participation in qualifying programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, and SSI will be confirmed via the National Verifier, beginning March 26, 2026, for a period of 18 months. Exchanges will involve applicants’ last four digits of their Social Security numbers, date of birth, and names, with Michigan responding on benefit status. Written comments are due by March 26, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

President Trump Announces Major Network and Manufacturing Investments in Texas

President Trump visited Corpus Christi, Texas, highlighting significant investments and infrastructure projects across the state, many tied to ICT and manufacturing sectors. Key investments include FiberLight's $500 million network infrastructure, Google's $40 billion energy initiatives, Texas Instruments' $60 billion manufacturing, Nvidia's $500 billion AI infrastructure, and CesiumAstro's $500 million expansion. Other activities reported include Apple's production shift, NRG Energy's $617 million natural gas facility, and Eli Lilly's $6.5 billion manufacturing investment. The administration also referenced expanded broadband, rural healthcare investments, network upgrades, and improved affordability for housing and utilities, citing declining gas and diesel prices.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

FCC Modifies Lifeline Program System of Records

The FCC published updates to the Lifeline Program system of records (FCC/WCB-1), incorporating a new routine use. Lifeline provides discounted voice and broadband services to low-income households, and the system contains data for applicants, subscribers, survey respondents, and enrollment representatives. Modifications include expanded data-sharing with the Department of Treasury for payment and award eligibility review under Executive Order 14249, supporting fraud prevention. The update takes effect February 25, 2026, with comments taken until March 27, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Revises Affordable Connectivity Program System of Records

The Federal Communications Commission announced modifications to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) system of records (FCC/WCB-3). The changes add a routine use for data sharing with the Department of Treasury for improper payment detection and compliance, as mandated by Executive Order 14249. Records pertain to ACP applicants, households, and service providers, with expanded safeguarding protocols and audit capabilities. The new provisions are scheduled for March 27, 2026, with written comments accepted until March 27.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Updates USAC Customer Relationship Management System

The FCC issued a notice modifying the USAC Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system of records (FCC/WCB-6), used for administering Universal Service Fund (USF) programs and appropriated programs, including ACP and COVID-19 Telehealth. The Phase II CRM launch now includes Lifeline and ACP support. A new routine use for data sharing with the Department of Treasury is included. The system hosts customer complaints and requests, with data retrieval and retention practices compliant with NARA schedules. The update is effective February 25, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Revises Financial Operations Information System

The FCC revised its Financial Operations Information System (FCC/OMD-25), which oversees financial transactions, records, and compliance for Commission programs. Changes include added data-sharing with the Department of Treasury for improper payment reviews, in line with Executive Order 14249. System modifications affect program management, eligibility verification, payment processing, and compliance auditing. The revised system notice becomes effective February 25, 2026, with the associated routine uses activated after comment consideration.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Modifies Business Contacts and Certifications System of Records

The Federal Communications Commission updated the Business Contacts and Certifications system of records (FCC-2). Two new routine uses are introduced: sharing records with the Department of Treasury for payment and eligibility verification, and expanded prevention of fraud, waste, and abuse disclosure. These adjustments are part of ongoing compliance with Executive Order 14249, affecting contacts and certification data for entities regulated by the FCC. The new system provisions become effective March 27, 2026, subject to written comment.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Information Collection Review for International Broadcast Stations

The FCC has revised its information collection framework for international broadcast stations, requesting continued OMB approval. New web-based forms integrated into the International Bureau Filing System simplify data submission, aligning with mandatory electronic filing requirements established in FCC Order 21-87. Updated procedures affect applications for station construction, modifications, renewals, and frequency assignments, with changes intended to reduce the administrative burden for broadcasters. Total annual burden is estimated at over 20,000 hours and annual cost at $123,230.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Delegated Authority Reviews: Program Delivery and Assignment Applications

The FCC announced reviews of information collections under delegated authority, including FCC Form 308 for delivering programs to foreign broadcast stations and FCC Forms 314-IBFS, 315-IBFS, and 316-IBFS for voluntary assignment of transfers and controls for international broadcast stations. Filing is now exclusively electronic via the International Bureau Filing System (IBFS), requiring an FCC Registration Number. These procedural revisions are part of ongoing efforts to improve submission efficiency, transparency, and compliance. Written PRA comments are due by April 27, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

ACERO Act Advances to Senate Committee

H.R. 390, the ACERO Act covering Science, Technology, and Communications, was received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The bill awaits committee review for potential further action.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act Scheduled for Consideration

H.R. 1181, titled Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act, focuses on finance and financial sector privacy. The bill is currently placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 447, pending further deliberation in the House.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Rubrik CEO: ‘Cyber Resiliency Is the Top Priority for Cybersecurity’: Rubrik’s CEO discusses why cyber resiliency is central in cybersecurity priorities for organizations facing advanced threats.
• The Big One: The cyberattack scenarios that keep officials up at night: Axios reviews leading cyberattack threat scenarios and how agencies are planning for related risks.
• Coupang braces for increased competition amid fallout from South Korea data breach: Reuters reports on competitive challenges facing Coupang following a high-profile data breach in South Korea.
• Opinion | I Thought I Understood A.I. Companies. I Couldn’t Have Been More Wrong.: The New York Times columnist revisits assumptions about AI companies after facing unexpected industry shifts.
• REP RO KHANNA: We need a new tech social contract to reclaim AI from billionaires: Rep. Ro Khanna argues for a technology policy shift in AI governance to reduce billionaire control.
• Exclusive | Government Agencies Raise Alarm About Use of Elon Musk’s Grok Chatbot: Government agencies raise concerns about security and safety of Elon Musk's Grok chatbot.

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