October 16, 2024
FCC Revisits Robocall Mitigation Process and AI-Generated Calls
Robocall mitigation has become a top priority for the FCC and major telecom companies. However, protecting consumers from unwanted calls takes much more than writing policies and passing legislation.
The FCC seems to understand that it needs to take a more aggressive role supported by available technologies. The Robocall Mitigation Database (RMD) is one way it plans to revisit robocall mitigation processes and protect consumers from annoying—and potentially dangerous—calls.
What Is the Robocall Mitigation Database (RMD)?
The Robocall Mitigation Database (RMD) contains a list of service providers who have filed for proper certifications. These certifications include plans to mitigate robocalls within their networks.
This database aims to allow the FCC to improve transparency and accountability within the telecom sector. If a service provider fails to implement proper call authentication solutions, it can be removed from the RMD and effectively banned from facilitating calls within the U.S.
FCC Seeks Improvements to the RMD
The FCC wants to close any gaps that prevent the RMD from effectively mitigating robocalls. To reach this goal, it released a public notice asking for improvement recommendations. Comments are due by October 15, 2024.
The notice asks for recommendations about specific improvements related to technical validation solutions used in the robocall mitigation process and procedural measures that would support greater diligence when service providers submit RMD information.
Proposed Rules on AI-Generated Calls
Not surprisingly, the FCC wants to address proposed rules regulating AI-generated calls. In early 2024, members of the FCC voted unanimously to ban unsolicited AI robocalls. This move was necessary because criminals used GenAI to fake voices and scam consumers.
The technology has even been used to fake President Joe Biden’s voice in a robocall asking New Hampshire residents not to vote until November. The FCC levied a $6 million fine against the political consultant responsible for the calls.
The FCC has proposed several rules to help strengthen its ability to regulate AI-generated calls. Some of those proposed rules include:
- Improving the definition of “AI-generated call” to close loopholes anyone might find in the current definition
- Requiring callers to disclose — at the beginning of their calls — that they used artificial intelligence
- Exempting AI technologies used to help people with speech and hearing disabilities communicate, as long as the calls don’t relate to telemarketing
The FCC has also expressed interest in receiving feedback from the public so it can address unanticipated issues as soon as possible.
Industry Initiatives Against Robocalls
After releasing the STIR/SHAKEN protocol, the FCC discovered that a loophole could allow international callers to evade robocall rules. It corrected that issue within a few years, but the telecom industry seems to have learned the importance of staying one step ahead of bad actors. After all, the broader industry understands that protecting the public should help improve lost faith in incoming calls.
An industry consortium plans to develop cross-border call authentication solutions that would expand the reach of STIR/SHAKEN, preventing robocalls and phone scams that originate outside of U.S. borders.
Organizations working on Cross Border Call Authentication include Microsoft, ATIS, Bandwidth, and iconectiv. The group encourages service providers around the world to join.
Importance of Vetting Your Customers
Vetting potential customers will also play an essential role in preventing bad actors from using illegal robocalls. Companies must vet users before giving them access to products, services, and software that could harm consumers.
Vetting customers is an essential part of protecting your company’s brand. Just as importantly, it will help you avoid fines and lawsuits.
In May of 2024, the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau classified the company Royal Tiger as a First Consumer Communications Information Services Threat (C-CIST 1). According to the FCC, Royal Tiger had been using several aliases and generative AI to target victims in the U.S. The government organization didn’t stop with those committing the illegal acts, though. It went on to block all downstream service providers, making it nearly impossible for them to conduct business.
The FCC’s message is clear: service providers that don’t vet their customers will be held accountable for assisting criminals.
In accordance with Know Your Customer (KYC) standards, Caller ID Reputation vets every potential user before giving them access to its solutions.
The End of Unwanted Robocalls?
Robocalls have become a plague that damages public trust and puts consumers at risk. As recently as 2020, robocalls accounted for 39% of all phone calls in the U.S. Furthermore, they cost American consumers $10 billion that same year.
The FCC and industry leaders face plenty of obstacles as they attempt to resolve this problem. With hard work and some diligence, though, they could significantly improve how Americans feel about incoming calls.
