The **FCC** is intensifying its fight against illegal robocalls with a proposed rulemaking that seeks to hold originating providers more accountable. The agency believes the current KYC rules are insufficient, allowing malicious actors to exploit vulnerabilities in the communication network. ### Enhanced KYC Requirements The proposed rule changes would mandate originating providers of traditional voice service, commercial mobile radio service, and interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service to: * Obtain the name, physical address, government-issued identification number, and an alternative telephone number from new and renewing customers. * Require high-volume customers to provide detailed information about their service usage, including the purpose (e.g., marketing) and the IP address from which calls will be placed. * Collect and maintain records, such as copies of government-issued IDs, to verify customer identity. * Store relevant records for at least four years after the customer relationship ends. ### Increased Penalties for Non-Compliance The **FCC** is proposing to change the penalty structure for KYC violations, assessing fines on a per-call basis. This aims to correlate penalties more directly with the volume of illegal calls and the harm caused by individual callers. ### Addressing Law Enforcement Concerns The **FCC** emphasizes that the proposed rulemaking is crucial not only for preventing consumer fraud but also for assisting law enforcement in investigating serious crimes. The agency argues that the lack of diligence by some originating providers hinders the identification of criminals involved in drug deals, violent crimes, and human trafficking. ### Recent Enforcement Actions This announcement follows a recent proposal by the **FCC** to fine **Voxbeam Telecommunications** $4.5 million for allegedly facilitating "financial impersonation robocalls." The agency claims **Voxbeam** allowed suspicious call traffic from an unauthorized foreign provider, impacting American consumers. While **Voxbeam** has the opportunity to respond, this action underscores the **FCC**'s commitment to cracking down on robocall operations.