EPIC Joins NCLC in Support of FCC Bond Requirement Proposal to Prevent Robocalls

On May 26, EPIC joined the National Consumer Law Center and several other consumer rights organizations in support of the FCC’s proposal to require a telemarketing provider to post a bond or equivalent security to register in the Robocall Mitigation Database (RMD). 

All voice service providers are required to file certifications in the RMD regarding their efforts to fight illegal robocalls on their networks. 

This process would help ensure that scammers do not gain access to the U.S. telephone network, as the process of posting such a security makes it difficult to maintain the anonymity on which scammers depend. It also ensures that meaningful assets are reachable to pay for any harms caused by their calls. 

“Requiring a surety bond, certificate of deposit, or irrevocable letter of credit that can be drawn on to pay a forfeiture or judgment arising from transmission of an illegal call will ensure that RMD filers are more than hollow shell companies,” the NCLC’s comments read. 

The comments were filed in response to the FCC’s March 27 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. EPIC joined Public Knowledge, the National Association of Consumer Advocates, Consumer Action, the Consumer Federation of America, the National Consumers League, and Consumer Reports in supporting the FCC’s proposal. 

EPIC has long fought to stop illegal robocalls by advocating for strong laws and regulations and supporting consumers in lawsuits against robocallers.