A Call to Action: Stop the FCC's KYC Regime

4 hours ago

The FCC is proposing Know Your Customer (KYC) rules to combat robocalls, which would require phone providers to collect identity information (name, address, government ID, alternate numbers) from customers before enabling service.
This KYC regime threatens privacy and access to essential communication, particularly harming vulnerable groups like domestic violence survivors, journalists, whistleblowers, and low-income individuals who rely on burner phones for safety and anonymity.
KYC is ineffective against determined criminals, as seen in the financial system, where leaked personal information allows criminals to bypass checks easily, while increasing risks like SIM swapping attacks for ordinary users.
The proposal includes dangerous elements such as consulting law enforcement watchlists, long-term data retention (up to four years after service ends), and per-call penalties, which could lead to over-verification, abuse, and mission creep beyond robocalls.
The public can oppose the rule by submitting comments to the FCC before the deadlines: initial comments by June 25, 2026, and reply comments by July 27, 2026, using a provided template to advocate for targeted enforcement instead of broad KYC mandates.

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