FCC Proposes Strengthening 'Know-Your-Customer' Rules

The Federal Communications Commission adopted an item seeking to strengthen its “Know-Your-Customer” rules for voice service providers. By screening new and renewing customers, originating voice service providers are in the best position to prevent scammers and other bad actors from flooding telecommunications networks with illegal calls. Stopping illegal calls is the FCC’s top consumer protection priority, and the agency is taking a holistic approach by attacking them at every point in their lifecycle. This includes stopping illegal calls before they enter the phone network, requiring providers to block unwanted or illegal calls, and giving consumers more information about the calls they receive. In today’s Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the FCC is seeking comment on clearer, more rigorous customer verification standards. Potential measures include new requirements for providers to verify customer identities—including name, address, government ID, and alternative phone numbers—before enabling service.