EPIC Joins Amici Supporting FCC Protections Against Predatory Practices in Prison Telecom Industry

On April 23, 2025, EPIC joined the National Consumer Law Center, Prison Policy Initiative, and The Utility Reform Network in urging the First Circuit not to vacate FCC safeguards on prison phone systems that protect incarcerated persons and their families. The challenge, brought by telecom companies like Securus and several state governments, is at odds with Congress’s directive to the FCC to adopt protections under the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act.

The resulting FCC Rule established rate caps for prison phone and video calls, prohibited kickbacks more commonly known as “site commissions,” and excluded the majority of surveillance and safety costs from the list of expenses a prison telecom provider was permitted to pass on to the consumer. Other civil society groups filed an amicus brief in support of the constitutionality of the FCC, and a coalition of states filed an amicus brief in support of the FCC’s rule.

EPIC advocates for stronger consumer protection safeguards in the prison communications context.