As our world becomes increasingly digitized, the ease of communication has brought with it certain challenges, chief among them being the rise of fraudulent robocalls. In an effort to combat this menace, the United States government has introduced the STIR and SHAKEN framework. In this helpful guide, we will delve into the history of STIR/SHAKEN, the reasons why it is needed, and what telecommunications providers need to do to ensure compliance with these regulations.

A Brief History of STIR/SHAKEN.

STIR/SHAKEN stands for Secure Telephone Identity Revisited (STIR) and (SHAKEN) Signature-based Handling of Asserted Information Using toKENs). This framework was developed with the aim of authenticating and verifying caller ID information for calls made over internet protocol networks. It was first introduced in 2019 by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as part of their ongoing efforts to tackle the issue of illegal robocalls.

The STIR/SHAKEN framework essentially provides a way to certify the authenticity of a call through digital certificates that verify the caller's identity. By assigning an attestation level to each call, it helps ensure that consumers can trust the information displayed on their caller ID and helps identify and block illegal spoofed calls.

Top Three Reasons Why STIR and SHAKEN is Needed.

Combatting Fraudulent Activities.

One of the primary reasons for the implementation of STIR/SHAKEN is to combat the rising tide of fraudulent activities, particularly illegal robocalls and spoofing. These activities not only inconvenience consumers but can also lead to significant financial losses and undermine trust in the telecommunications system.

Enhancing Consumer Protection.

STIR/SHAKEN plays a crucial role in enhancing consumer protection by ensuring that consumers can trust the information displayed when they receive a call. This transparency helps consumers make informed decisions about whether or not to answer a call, thus reducing the risk of falling victim to scams and identity theft.

Improving Call Blocking and Call Labeling.

Another key benefit of STIR/SHAKEN is its ability to facilitate call blocking and labeling services. By providing a way to verify the authenticity of calls, this framework enables telecommunications providers to better identify and block illegal robocalls, making the communication experience safer and more reliable for consumers.

What Telecommunications Providers Need to Know about STIR and SHAKEN.

While the implementation of STIR/SHAKEN is a step in the right direction, it is essential for telecommunications providers to take proactive measures to ensure compliance with these regulations. Here are some key considerations:

Implementing STIR/SHAKEN Solutions.

Telecommunications providers must invest in implementing STIR/SHAKEN solutions that enable them to authenticate and verify caller ID information for calls made over their networks. This may involve deploying new technologies and updating existing infrastructure to support the framework.

Ensuring Functional Compatibility.

Providers need to ensure that their STIR/SHAKEN solutions are functionally compatible with other networks and service providers to enable seamless call authentication across the telecommunications ecosystem. Working towards industry-wide adoption of the framework is crucial for its success in combating illegal robocalls effectively.

Maintaining Regulatory Compliance.

Telecommunications providers must stay informed about any updates or changes to the STIR/SHAKEN regulations and ensure that their systems and processes are aligned with the latest requirements. This may involve regular audits and compliance checks to mitigate the risk of non-compliance penalties.

Make Sure You’re Compliant with STIR and SHAKEN Regulations.

Navigating these complex regulations can prove challenging for many telecommunications providers, but Prescott Martini can simplify it for you. Our management team brings 175 years of extensive professional experience to support telecommunications companies operate in the confusing US environment legally. With our help, you can be confident you have the protocols you need to remain compliant now and well into the future. Learn more about our monitoring service online, or contact us to get started today.