State attorneys general call for STIR/SHAKEN

Thirty-five state attorneys general filed a comment with the FCC supporting efforts to combat unwanted robocalls. In this filing, they encouraged aggressive implementation on several fronts.

Highlights

The attorneys general highlighted several problems that stem from unwanted robocalls:

1. Despite the FCC Call Blocking Order of 2017, unwanted robocalls are on the rise—about 30 billion in the U.S. in 2017, and expected to approach 40 billion in 2018.
2. Because many perpetrators are located overseas, local law enforcement efforts have limited effectiveness.
3. Many unwanted robocalls are intended to perpetrate fraud. Criminals are estimated to have stolen 9.5 billion dollars from consumers through phone scams in 2017.
4. Current technology enables perpetrators to spoof caller ID to trick people into answering unwanted robocalls. STIR/SHAKEN would prevent this.

Call to action

The attorneys general called for increased efforts on several fronts:

1. The FCC should adopt rules allowing telecom service providers to block calls with fake caller IDs. This would require the providers to deploy STIR/SHAKEN technology in their telcom networks.
2. Providers who offer blocking or labeling tools should distribute to consumers—especially seniors—adequate information about the availability of these tools, how they function, and what effect they can have.
3. The FCC should explore ways to encourage all domestic and international service providers to aggressively implement STIR/SHAKEN.

This comment was signed by the following:

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