Expanded robocall blocking rules announced

On May 18, 2023, the FCC extended its robocall blocking rules to include a broader range of service provider roles. This article summarizes the new rules and deadlines.

This is the Commission’s Seventh Report and Order on robocalls (CG Docket No. 17-59) and call authentication (WC Docket No. 17-49).

Expanded rules

The Order extends robocall blocking requirements that were previously mandated for specific groups of providers, such as gateway providers, to a wider range of providers in the call path. These requirements include:

  1. Full response to traceback requests from the Commission, civil and criminal law enforcement, and the industry traceback consortium within 24 hours by all providers.
    • This rule replaces the previous requirement to respond “fully and in a timely manner.”
  2. Mandatory blocking of robocalls by originating providers following Commission notice.
    • This replaces the previous requirement to “effectively mitigate illegal traffic.”
    • If a notified provider fails to block robocalls after receiving a notification and initial determination order, then the Enforcement Bureau shall issue a final determination order to direct downstream providers to block all traffic from the notified provider.
  3. All providers are required to take steps to Know Your Upstream Provider and to describe these steps in the Robocall Mitigation Plan that they file in the Robocall Mitigation Database.

Deadlines

This order shall be effective 180 days after publication in the Federal Register, except for rules that may contain new information collection requirements that require review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA).

The rules that might be subject to PRA review include 24-hour full response and the statement of intent to respond within 24 hours made in their robocall mitigation plan by a voice service provider or non-gateway intermediate provider. These rules will become effective the later of 180 days after publication in the Federal Register or 30 days after OMB review.

wood blocks with letters that spell new rules

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