FCC proposes consumer scorecard for telecom robocall prevention efforts

The Federal Communications Commission is proposing a new consumer scorecard system to allow individuals to rate their telecommunications providers' effectiveness in preventing unwanted robocalls. The agency aims to empower consumers and incentivize providers to enhance their anti-robocall measures by offering the public an assessment of these efforts, as reported by CyberScoop.

The proposed scorecard would evaluate how well voice service providers, including wireless, wireline, and VoIP companies, deter robocalls and their transparency regarding metrics. The FCC seeks a comprehensive assessment beyond a simple checklist, focusing on operational practices and measurable outcomes, such as the rate of legitimate calls being blocked. The agency plans to publish these results, using data from systems like the Robocall Mitigation Database and FCC consumer complaints.

This initiative follows the FCC's recent removal of 14 telecommunications providers from the Robocall Mitigation Database for failing to comply with anti-robocalling rules, a move that effectively blocks their traffic from U.S. networks. FCC Chair Brendan Carr emphasized that these actions demonstrate a multi-faceted approach to combating illegal robocalls and protecting consumers from fraud.

Source: CyberScoop