The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Tuesday approved a new rule that will require phone companies to use technology that can verify numbers—and curb robocalls—by next year.
The FCC will require phone companies to adopt standards known as STIR/SHAKEN. The technology will allow phone companies to verify caller ID information and a caller’s phone number, with the aim of reducing number spoofing.
The order requires the implementation of the technology by June 30, 2021. Several major companies like T-Mobile and AT&T have already begun rolling out the verification technology.
Last year Congress passed the TRACED Act—which was subsequently signed into law by President Donald Trump. The law makes STIR/SHAKEN mandatory for phone companies and required the FCC to make rules surrounding it.
Earlier this month, the FCC warned people about coronavirus robocalls—including one that is offering free test kits and another about suspending Social Security because of “fraudulent activities.”
Other coronavirus robocall scams included telling people they can have sanitizers, toilet paper, and masks delivered to them and offers to do a “full air duct cleaning and sanitation to make sure the air you breathe is free of bacteria.”
Lawmakers have also urged the FCC to do more to combat coronavirus-related robocalls.
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