SHARE: NAD Opposes FCC Collection of SSNs

NAD August 4, 2015 in ASL 18 Subscribers Subscribe

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[Video description can be found below. If you use a screen reader and need to access the caption file transcript, go to "More..." and click on "Transcript"]

Have you been asked by your VRS provider to share your last four digits of your Social Security Number (SSN)? Watch Zainab explain why the FCC is requiring all VRS providers to share personal information with the FCC.

Video description and transcript:
Zainab Alkebsi, NAD Policy Counsel, appears in the NAD Headquarters lobby. A small white NAD logo appears on the bottom right.

ZAINAB: Many of you have expressed concern about the Federal Communication Commission (FCC)'s requirement that VRS providers collect the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number (SSN). You are not alone. The NAD opposes the collection of personal information. For those of you that may not be aware, the FCC now requires all VRS providers to collect the last 4 digits of users' SSNs and upload that information, and other personal information, to the FCC's TRS User Registration Database. The FCC is requiring this because of fraud. The NAD and other allies pointed out that not everyone has a SSN. They agreed to accept other forms of documentation. If you do not, the FCC will accept your birth certificate, driver's license, passport or any other form of identification. They require the SSN if you actually have one. Again, only those who do not have a SSN can provide other forms of identification. The NAD opposes this requirement because of the increased risk to privacy and it is not functionally equivalent to what hearing consumers are required to provide when ordering voice telephone services. The NAD is working on convincing the FCC to change this policy. In the meantime, we need your help -- if you are upset or opposed to this, we encourage you to contact the FCC at their ASL Customer Support Line: 844-432-2275.

TEXT-ON-SCREEN: 844-432-2275

ZAINAB: The more of you that express your opinions, the more likely the FCC will pay attention and change that policy.

Video fades to a gradient background with dark blue to light blue, a grey National Association of the Deaf (NAD) logo is centered. White text below the logo appears, "A production of the National Association of the Deaf (copyright) 2015 All Rights Reserved" with four teal social media icons, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.