The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a new computer matching program in collaboration with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) and the Missouri Department of Social Services. This program aims to verify the eligibility of participants in the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) by checking if they receive benefits from programs like SNAP or Medicaid. These benefits help individuals and families access discounts for broadband and voice services. The matching process involves sharing certain personal details, such as parts of a Social Security Number, to confirm eligibility.
Simple Explanation
The government wants to make sure people getting internet discounts really need them, so they will check with a company and a Missouri office to see if these people get help from other programs like food stamps. This means they’ll look at some private information to double-check things, but it’s not clear how they’ll keep everyone’s info super safe or fix mistakes.