The FCC has adopted a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on significant changes to its Robocall Mitigation Database (RMD) regime, a key component of the FCC’s efforts to combat illegal robocalls. The proposals would expand filing and disclosure obligations for voice service providers, require greater transparency regarding third-party vendors involved in call authentication and mitigation, and strengthen standards governing robocall mitigation plans. The FCC is also considering new mechanisms to identify and remove non-compliant providers more efficiently and exploring financial assurance requirements, such as letters of credit or surety bonds, for certain providers.
The FCC said the proposals are intended to address ongoing abuse of the voice network by bad actors and improve accountability throughout the call path. The Commission is also seeking comment on strengthened enforcement measures, enhanced auditing requirements, and additional safeguards designed to ensure that providers take effective steps to prevent illegal calls from traversing their networks. Comments will be due 30 days after publication in the Federal Register, which has not yet occurred, and reply comments will be due 60 days after publication.
