FCC Seeking Comment on Rules for Blocking Illegal Robotexts

FCC commissioners approved 4-0 an NPRM, released Tuesday, which proposes to require mobile wireless providers to block illegal text messages, similar to the agency’s approach on illegal and unwanted robocalls. Commissioners approved the NPRM Friday. Comment deadlines will come in the Federal Register.

A year ago, Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel circulated a proposed rulemaking on curbing illegal and unwanted robotexts (see 2110180071). The FCC has seen a threefold increase in robotexts since 2019, officials said at an August meeting of the FCC’s Consumer Advisory Committee (see 2208300059. Commissioner Geoffrey Starks sought action at the CAC meeting. In July, the FCC issued a warning on the growing number of robotexts (see 2207280053).

“Specifically, we propose to require mobile wireless providers to block texts, at the network level, that purport to be from invalid, unallocated, or unused numbers, and numbers on a Do-Not-Originate list,” the NPRM said: “We also seek comment on the extent to which spoofing is a problem with regard to text messaging today and whether there are measures the Commission can take to encourage providers to identify and block texts that appear to come from spoofed numbers.” The NPRM also proposes applying caller ID authentication standards to text messaging.

“Unwanted text messages present the same problems as unwanted calls -- they invade consumer privacy, and are vehicles for consumer fraud and identity theft,” the NPRM argues. It notes texts sometimes include links to phishing websites “that appear identical to the website of a legitimate company and fool a victim into providing personal or financial information.” Texted links “can also load unwanted software, including malware that steals passwords and other credentials, onto a device.”

“Scam text messaging has become a growing threat to consumers’ wallets and privacy,” FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel tweeted: “More can be done to address this problem, and today we’re starting an effort to take a serious, comprehensive, and fresh look at our policies for fighting unwanted robotexts.”

CTIA urged the FCC to stick with voluntary approach to tackling texts. “The wireless industry is committed to fighting spam while also helping legitimate messages get through," the group said in a statement: “Through an industry-led approach, providers develop and follow best practices and use a range of tools -- including filtering software, advanced analytics and blocking technology, and consumer complaint reporting mechanisms -- to fight messaging spam and protect consumers.” Carrier efforts “have helped make text messaging one of the most trusted platforms with high open rates,” CTIA said.

The NPRM probes rules versus a voluntary approach. “How would our proposals affect any voluntary text blocking providers are doing now?” the item asks: “We seek comment on the voluntary text blocking that providers are currently doing to protect their subscribers. How are providers protecting consumers in this regard today? What can we learn from voluntary text blocking efforts as we consider mandatory blocking?”