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    FCC takes steps to block more spammy robocalls

    FCC takes steps to block more spammy robocalls

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    The Federal Communications Commission took steps to cut down on spammy robocalls today, passing a rule proposal that could eventually let phone companies block more unwanted calls.

    The proposal would let phone companies block robocallers from using numbers they aren’t supposed to be using. If a robocaller decides to spoof another phone number — making it appear that they’re calling from a different line to hide their identity — phone providers would be able to block them if they use a number that clearly can’t exist because it hasn’t been assigned or that an existing subscriber has asked not to have spoofed.

    The proposal was passed in a 3-0 vote. “Robocalls are the number one consumer complaint to the FCC from members of the American public,” FCC chairman Ajit Pai said. “We aim to take an important first step in ending the scourge of illegal robocalls.”

    The measure will now head into a public comment period, where phone companies and consumers can comment on the changes. In particular, the FCC is asking what it can do to better combat spoofed calls that begin in other countries and what it can do to minimize legitimate, legal calls from getting blocked by accident. There’ll then be a final vote, likely later this year, on an amended version of the rules.