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from the believe-it-when-you-see-it dept.
https://www.engadget.com/2018/11/06/fcc-caller-id-authentication-2019/
Even if you don't agree with Ajit Pai's stance on some important issues, you might still want to hear about his latest campaign against robocalls. The FCC chairman has demanded (PDF) the adoption of a robust call authentication system to prevent caller ID spoofing, telling American carriers to implement the technology no later than 2019. Pai has sent letters to the CEOs of 14 voice providers to ask them to conjure up concrete plans to adopt the SHAKEN/STIR framework, which would validate legitimate calls across networks before they reach recipients. That would block spam and scam robocalls from going through, so you don't have to be wary of answering calls anymore.
"Combatting illegal robocalls is our top consumer priority at the FCC. That's why we need call authentication to become a reality -- it's the best way to ensure that consumers can answer their phones with confidence. By this time next year, I expect that consumers will begin to see this on their phones," Pai said in a statement.
He asked the carriers about their implementation plans and warned that if it doesn't seem like the call authentication system is on track to get up and running by 2019, the FCC will take action. Pai didn't elaborate on what the FCC will do, but the agency says it "stands ready to ensure widespread deployment to hit this important technological milestone."
(Score: 2) by urza9814 on Wednesday November 07 2018, @07:03PM (3 children)
Considering that Congress seems to be the major offender here, what reason do we have to think they'll actually be willing to allow this kind of regulation?
I've been getting robocalls to my cellphone (which is illegal) from candidates in different states a thousand miles away (potentially illegal -- no real possible existing relationship) and when I try to call back the number I get some random person's cellphone who tells me they have no idea what I'm talking about -- meaning they're spoofing caller ID information (also illegal). I've reported a few of these to the FCC, but that doesn't seem to be doing anything to stop it...and it's not even third party "research" firms; it's direct "I'm [candidate] and I approved this message" crap.
(Score: 3, Insightful) by JoeMerchant on Wednesday November 07 2018, @11:50PM (2 children)
But, can you prove that it really was candidate X, or was it one of their opponents trying to make them look bad?
🌻🌻 [google.com]
(Score: 2) by etherscythe on Thursday November 08 2018, @01:02AM (1 child)
...or Russian hackers looking to have a laugh and stir up a little political mischief.
"Fake News: anything reported outside of my own personally chosen echo chamber"
(Score: 2) by urza9814 on Thursday November 08 2018, @02:21PM
Might be inclined to believe that were possible if I wasn't seeing the same behavior from politicians and their campaigns in person too. Just this week I had to report a local candidate to the election commission for illegal electioneering -- standing right in front of the door to the polling place accosting every single voter entering with campaign material and such. I reported that to the election commission, who confirmed that it was illegal and assured me that they'd do something about it...but later that night I checked back and they were still there.