A Call to Action: Stop the FCC's KYC Regime
The FCC is considering new 'Know Your Customer' (KYC) regulations that would require phone providers to verify user identities before granting service. Critics argue this creates a mass surveillance regime that fails to stop criminals while infringing on user privacy.
Why it matters
This proposal represents a significant shift in how basic telecommunications infrastructure is accessed and regulated in the United States.
Robocalls are really annoying. Everyone knows the misery of scam calls, spoofed numbers, fake warranty pitches, fraudulent bank alerts, and automated political spam. The FCC is correct to claim that illegal calls erode trust in the phone system and cost Americans time, money, and security. But this problem does not justify a dragnet solution. Under the guise of fighting robocallers, the FCC is now considering “Know Your Customer” rules that could force phone providers to collect identity information from ordinary people before they can acquire or renew service with a phone carrier.
The article uses strong, critical language like 'surveillance regime' and 'dragnet solution' to oppose government regulation.
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