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Financial Services Law Insights and Observations

FCC pushes on robocall blocking

Agency Rule-Making & Guidance FCC Robocalls Privacy/Cyber Risk & Data Security

Agency Rule-Making & Guidance

On April 13, the FCC took several actions associated with blocking illegal and unsolicited robocalls, including sending cease and desist letters (see here and here) to two carriers that “appear to be transmitting multiple unlawful robocall campaigns” and seeking updated information from all carriers and developers of call-blocking tools to learn more about the tools available to consumers and their effectiveness. Key questions include:

  • Whether the companies are offering call blocking tools to consumers at no charge.
  • How the companies measure the effectiveness of blocking tools.
  • What protections the companies have put in place to ensure that call blocking does not interfere with emergency services.

In addition to seeking input from the industry, the FCC sent cease and desist letters to two carriers regarding the transmission of illegal robocalls through their networks. The letters warn the carriers that downstream carriers will be authorized to block all of their traffic if they do not take steps within 48 hours to “effectively mitigate illegal traffic.”