FCC Cracks Down on Robocalls with Strict Caller ID Rules
Published Date: 8/19/2025
Rule
Summary
The FCC is making caller ID safer by setting clear rules for phone companies that use helpers to verify calls. Providers must stay in charge of confirming caller ID and use their own digital certificates, not their helpers’. They also need to get special tokens and keep records to prove they’re following the rules. This affects all phone providers using STIR/SHAKEN tech and helps fight robocalls without extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Providers must control attestation decisions
If a phone provider relies on a third party to help verify calls under STIR/SHAKEN, the provider itself must make the ‘attestation‑level’ decisions that determine how caller ID is authenticated. This rule applies to any provider with a STIR/SHAKEN implementation obligation.
Calls must use provider's digital certificate
All calls that are signed under STIR/SHAKEN must be signed using the digital certificate of the provider with the implementation obligation, not using a third party’s certificate. Providers with STIR/SHAKEN obligations must ensure their certificate is used for signing.
Must obtain SPC token and certificate
Providers with a STIR/SHAKEN implementation obligation must obtain a Service Provider Code (SPC) token from the STIR/SHAKEN Policy Administrator and present that token to a STIR/SHAKEN Certificate Authority to obtain a digital certificate. This is a required step for obtaining the certificate used to sign calls.
Recordkeeping for third‑party arrangements
The rules require providers to keep records of any third‑party authentication arrangements so the FCC can monitor compliance and enforce its rules. Providers with STIR/SHAKEN obligations must maintain these records.
Third parties may sign calls under conditions
The FCC authorizes providers with STIR/SHAKEN obligations to engage third parties to perform the technical act of digitally signing calls, provided the provider keeps attestation‑level control and the provider’s certificate is used to sign. Providers may use third parties for signing only under those conditions.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-10296 — Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
The FCC is asking the public and businesses to share their thoughts on how it collects information to make sure it’s useful and not too much work. They want to cut down on paperwork, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. If you want to comment, you’ve got until July 21, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to help shape smarter rules!
2026-10299 — Information Collection Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking the public and other agencies to share their thoughts on a paperwork update that aims to make things easier, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. They want to reduce the hassle of filling out forms and need approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to keep collecting this info. Comments are open until June 22, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
2026-10038 — Consumer Protection and Accessibility Advisory Committee; Announcement of Meeting
The FCC is holding a remote meeting on June 10, 2026, for its Consumer Protection and Accessibility Advisory Committee. This group helps improve communication tech and fights robocalls, making things easier and safer for everyone. The public can join, ask questions, and share ideas—no cost to participate!
2026-10011 — Promoting Fair and Open Competitive Bidding in the E-Rate Program; Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Mechanism
The FCC is making the E-Rate program fairer and easier to use for schools and libraries by creating a new online portal for competitive bidding. Starting June 18, 2026, this will help stop waste and fraud while making the whole process clearer and simpler. These changes affect anyone applying for E-Rate funds and aim to protect taxpayer money while speeding up how bids are reviewed.
2026-09991 — Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is asking the public and agencies to share their thoughts on how it collects information to make sure it’s useful and not too much work. They want to cut down on paperwork, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. If you want to comment, you’ve got until July 20, 2026, so don’t miss out!
2026-10008 — Broadcast Station Rule Updates
The FCC is updating radio and TV broadcast rules to clear up confusion and ditch old, outdated steps. These changes help stations and applicants by making the process smoother and easier to understand. The new rules kick in on June 18, 2026, with no big costs expected for small broadcasters.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-15802 — Special Local Regulations; Marine Events Within the USCG East District (Formerly USCG District 5); Waterman's Triathlon
The Coast Guard is setting special rules for boats during the Waterman's Triathlon in Rock Hall, MD, from September 27-28, 2025. These rules keep everyone safe on the water by making sure boaters follow instructions from Coast Guard officers. If you’re boating in the area, be ready to listen up and stay clear during the event—no extra fees, just smooth sailing for safety!
Next: 2025-15839 — Airworthiness Directives; Siam Hiller Holdings, Inc.
If you own certain Siam Hiller helicopters, listen up! The FAA found cracks in some main rotor drive shafts and now requires inspections to keep things safe. You’ll need to check your parts soon, avoid using certain paint strippers, and follow new rules to keep flying without extra costs or delays.