FCC would form task force to study foreign robocall scams under Senate bill

What does this do?

Senate bill S 2666 would require the FCC to establish a task force within 270 days of enactment to study illegal robocalls originating from other countries. The task force would have approximately one year to research the issue and submit a report to Congress with recommendations, then dissolve 90 days after the report is submitted. The bill also reduces a related industry group's reporting requirement from once a year to once every three years.

Who does it affect?

The task force would include representatives from relevant government agencies, phone companies, technology experts, marketing businesses, and consumer advocates. The bill would affect any American who has received unwanted or scam robocalls, as well as phone companies, technology firms, and law enforcement agencies.

Why does it matter?

The required report would examine which foreign countries send the most illegal robocalls, how much money people lose to these scams, and how many identities are stolen as a result. It would also assess whether current caller ID verification systems are working, whether stronger criminal penalties could help, and whether the Justice Department needs a dedicated office to pursue robocall violators.

Where does it stand?