Robocalls have become an unavoidable nuisance in our daily lives, interrupting meetings, family time, and even important events. These unwanted calls, often perpetrated by scammers and telemarketers, have spurred frustration and anger among the general public.

Thankfully, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) has taken action by implementing the STIR/SHAKEN laws to curtail this growing menace. In this helpful guide, we will explore the ins and outs of the FCC’s STIR/SHAKEN and how it is revolutionizing the fight against robocalls.

How the FCC’s STIR/SHAKEN works.

STIR/SHAKEN operates by implementing cryptographic digital certificates to validate the authenticity of caller identities. The system utilizes public-key cryptography, where each telephone service provider generates a unique digital certificate that acts as a digital signature for authorized calls.

When a call is made, the originating provider signs the call with their private key, and the receiving provider verifies the signature using the originating provider's public key. If the signature is valid, the call proceeds, but if it is not, the call is flagged as suspicious and may be blocked or marked as potential spam.

Challenges and future considerations of the FCC’s STIR/SHAKEN regulations.

While STIR/SHAKEN is undoubtedly a significant step in the right direction, it is not a foolproof solution. Some challenges and considerations for the future include:

International call verification.

The FCC’s STIR/SHAKEN currently focuses on domestic calls within the United States. Collaborative efforts are needed to extend the technology's reach beyond national borders, as robocalls often originate abroad.

Adaptation by smaller providers.

While major voice service providers have embraced STIR/SHAKEN, smaller and more specialized providers may face challenges in implementing the technology due to resource limitations. Efforts to promote awareness and provide implementation support will be crucial.

Continuous evolution.

The tactics employed by robocallers constantly evolve, necessitating continuous advancements in call authentication technologies. Researchers and developers must stay one step ahead to ensure that STIR/SHAKEN remains effective in combating emerging robocall techniques.

What are the latest updates to the FCC’s STIR/SHAKEN regulations?

As of the latest updates, the FCC has implemented new regulations for the STIR/SHAKEN protocols and robocall mitigation[. In a meeting held on March 16, the FCC imposed these new requirements for all providers, including intermediate providers, regardless of their STIR/SHAKEN implementation status.

Under the new regulations, all providers are now required to take "reasonable steps" to mitigate illegal robocall traffic and submit a certification and mitigation plan to the FCC. This ensures that providers are actively working to combat the issue of robocalls and protect consumers from unwanted calls.

Furthermore, the FCC has extended the STIR/SHAKEN requirements to intermediate providers, expanding the scope of caller ID authentication and mitigating the harm caused by unauthenticated calls. This move strengthens the overall effectiveness of the protocols by encompassing more entities in the call chain.

The FCC's efforts in implementing and enforcing STIR/SHAKEN regulations are a part of their broader initiative to combat unlawful robocalling and caller ID spoofing. The STIR/SHAKEN framework, along with other measures and tools, aims to create a more secure and trustworthy telecommunications environment for consumers.

Stay up-to-date with all FCC STIR/SHAKEN updates.

It is crucial for providers to stay updated and compliant with the latest regulations to contribute to the fight against robocalls. By adhering to the requirements set forth by the FCC, providers can actively participate in reducing the prevalence of fraudulent calls and protecting consumers from potential scams and privacy breaches.

That’s where companies like Prescott Martini can help. We specialize in helping telecommunications companies remain compliant with FCC regulations using a combination of our advanced artificial intelligence, machine learning, and human oversight. You can learn more about the services we offer online, or contact us with any questions you may have.