FCC Regulations to Combat Unwanted Robocalls in the US

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States has implemented new regulations to combat unwanted robocalls and texts. The regulations aim to protect consumers from unwanted calls and texts, which can be intrusive and even fraudulent.

Under the new regulations, telecom companies are required to implement a call authentication framework called STIR/SHAKEN. This framework is designed to verify that incoming calls are legitimate and not spoofed, which is a common tactic used by robocalls.

In addition, the regulations establish a "Do Not Originate" list, which is a list of phone numbers that cannot be used to originate calls. This list is designed to prevent fraudsters from using legitimate phone numbers to make fraudulent calls.

Consumers are also encouraged to use call-blocking technology to prevent unwanted calls from reaching their phones. Call-blocking technology can be provided by the telecom company or through third-party apps.

The FCC has also made it easier for consumers to report unwanted calls and texts. Consumers can file a complaint with the FCC or sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry to reduce the number of telemarketing calls they receive.

The new regulations are a step forward in protecting consumers from unwanted and fraudulent calls and texts. However, it is important to note that legitimate businesses may still make calls to consumers who have given their consent to receive them.

To stop unwanted calls, consumers can take the following steps:

1. Register their phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry.
2. Block unwanted calls from specific phone numbers.
3. Use call-blocking and caller ID features provided by their phone company.
4. Be cautious when sharing personal information and do not answer calls from unknown numbers.
5. Report unwanted calls to the FCC.

It's important to note that while these regulations are in place, they may not eliminate unwanted calls. However, they can significantly reduce the frequency of these annoying communications.

For more information on the new regulations and how to protect yourself from unwanted calls and texts, visit the FCC's website at https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/stop-unwanted-robocalls-and-texts