FCC Proposes New Robocall Scorecard
On Wednesday, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) unveiled a proposal for a new consumer tool named the Robocall Scorecard. This initiative aims to provide consumers with insights into how the FCC is addressing illegal robocalls, according to reports from FOX Business.
The public notice released by the FCC seeks feedback on essential principles related to the Robocall Scorecard’s development and usability. Important aspects include ensuring the tool is user-friendly, establishing relevant and precise evaluation criteria, and setting up a process for continuous improvement.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr emphasized that tackling illegal robocalls is the FCC’s top priority for consumer protection. He noted that since his tenure began, the agency has been addressing this issue at every stage of the call process.
He further stated, “This announcement underscores our commitment to safeguarding consumers from illegal robocalls, enabling them to make informed decisions.”
Security Concerns Lead to Ban on Foreign-Made Routers
The notice discusses potential metrics for the scorecard, categorizing them into conduct-based and outcome-based metrics. It invites commentary on the data sources and metrics used by the FCC to ensure they effectively evaluate how providers protect their customers from illegal calls.
Moreover, the FCC is looking for suggestions on ensuring that the rating criteria and data come from reliable sources, while avoiding any unfair disadvantages to specific providers.
Carr mentioned that the scorecard would provide consumers with more knowledge about what providers are doing to combat illegal robocalls and encourage those providers to enhance their efforts.
The FCC is also seeking advice on which service providers should receive scorecard ratings. The current proposal focuses on domestic voice service providers catering to retail customers, covering various types of retail providers affected by robocalls.
Conduct-based metrics will assess whether providers have implemented specific actions or responded to requests regarding robocall mitigation, regardless of whether those measures have successfully reduced illegal robocalls. This might include offering tools for consumers to label or block calls and responses to traceback requests.
New Regulations on AI-generated Robocalls
Outcome-based metrics are intended to evaluate whether a provider’s actions genuinely result in fewer illegal robocalls reaching consumers. This could involve looking at the volume, frequency, or severity of illegal robocalls experienced by individuals because of a provider’s interventions.
The outcome metrics may also consider consumer complaints submitted to the FCC and other federal agencies, data on calls blocked (along with the rate of false positives), and the percentage of illegal robocalls received. Additionally, trend data on changes over time in illegal robocall rates from third-party analytics may be included.
