Trump’s FCC Shatters Privacy as They Demand Your Government ID Before Approving Any New Phone Number

Source Domain: www.ibtimes.co.uk

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has unanimously approved a proposal requiring telecommunications providers to verify customer identities before activating any new service. Backed by the Trump administration, the sweeping regulatory shift is designed to eradicate illegal robocalls, but the move could end the availability of anonymous mobile communications for ordinary Americans.

Under the mandate proposed on 30 April, consumers seeking to secure a network connection would be required to present a government-issued ID alongside their legal name, physical address, and any existing phone numbers. While authorities maintain the framework targets negligent service providers, the resulting identity-verification regime would close off one of the final semi-anonymous communication tools readily available to the public.

FCC Proposal Requires ID Before Phone Activation

The sweeping administrative measure covers almost the entirety of the US telecommunications ecosystem. If fully adopted, the identity checks would apply to nearly every voice provider operating across the country, ranging from traditional broadband carriers and mobile network operators to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. The commission has approved the core regulatory proposal but is currently seeking public comment on the technical specifics of the rollout, leaving several operational questions open.

The stringent verification framework heavily borrows from anti-money-laundering regulations historically deployed within the commercial banking sector. As part of its ongoing consultation, the FCC is asking whether providers should be required to retain copies of customer identity documentation for a minimum of four years after a user cancels their service. Furthermore, the commission is seeking input on whether companies should cross-reference all incoming customers against federal and local law enforcement watchlists prior to granting network access.