The Federal Communications Commission has been cracking down on unwanted spam calls in recent years. Last Friday, The FCC’s Secure Telephone Identity Revisited (STIR) and Signature-based Handling of Asserted Information Using toKENs (SHAKEN) protocols fully went into effect.
STIR/SHAKEN requires all IP-based voice service provider networks must adhere to the spoofed robocall defense protocols and authenticate caller ID. The new standards create a “common digital language” throughout phone networks and use blocking tools to stop suspicious calls. The program is designed to make it easier for providers to prevent spoof calls from reaching your phone.
“Consumers are understandably exhausted and frustrated by persistent scam robocalls. The FCC is attacking this problem in every way we can,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “While there is no single cure-all when it comes to robocalls, having this technology in our networks is real progress and we will continue to push forward with this and every other tool we have to fight these junk calls.”
The STIR/SHAKEN strategy uses caller ID authentication tools to block class, gives more power to investigators tracking down the sources of spoof calls, and alerts the FCC to disconnect illegal robocallers.
Many phone providers have already implemented these new standards. Largest Voice Service Providers have been required to adhere to STIR/SHAKEN standards since June 30th, 2021. Now, as of June 30th, Non-Facilities-Based Small Providers, Facilities-Based Small Providers, and Gateway Providers are required to stop and report spoof calls as well. Starting December 31st, Intermediate Providers must authenticate calls with domestic origins by December 31st.
Since the STIR/SHAKEN standards work by tracking and verifying IP networks, the FCC’s next move is to devise ways to implement STIR/SHAKEN type standards for Non-IP Network providers.
The FCC is strictly enforcing STIR/SHAKEN and in a spoof call historical first has taken Global UC off the Robocall Mitigation Database for failing to fully disclose and comply with the rules, effectively banning “all intermediate providers and terminating voice service providers to cease accepting the Company’s traffic.”