The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a proposal that would give phone companies more power to block robocalls.
The proposal, according to the FCC, would allow phone companies to block unwanted robocalls by default. It would also allow consumers to block calls not on their own contact list, according to the agency.
“Allowing call blocking by default could be a big benefit for consumers who are sick and tired of robocalls,” FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said in a statement. “By making it clear that such call blocking is allowed, the FCC will give voice service providers the legal certainty they need to block unwanted calls from the outset so that consumers never have to get them. And, if this decision is adopted, I strongly encourage carriers to begin providing these services by default—for free—to their current and future customers.”
On Wednesday, during an FCC oversight hearing in the House of Representatives, robocalls was one of the major issued discussed by the commissioners and lawmakers. The FCC said the proposal would be considered at the agency’s next meeting on June 6.
FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel weighed in on the proposal on Wednesday morning.
“The number of #robocalls we get is INSANE. For too long the @FCC has wasted time holding workshops and summits instead of holding bad actors responsible. Today it finally proposes new policies to help block robocalls. I sincerely hope this is not too little, too late,” she wrote on Twitter.
The number of #robocalls we get is INSANE. For too long the @FCC has wasted time holding workshops and summits instead of holding bad actors responsible. Today it finally proposes new policies to help block robocalls. I sincerely hope this is not too little, too late.
— Jessica Rosenworcel (@JRosenworcel) May 15, 2019
Earlier this year the FCC said it wanted to tackle robocalls. It appears it is finally taking a first step.
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