The FCC Wants Your ID Before You Get a Phone Number
Summary
The FCC proposed requiring telecom providers to verify customers’ identities before activating phone service, creating an identity-verification regime for phone numbers. While framed as a mechanism to curb illegal robocalls, the plan raises privacy concerns about widespread data collection and surveillance. The policy also highlights prepaid services where cash purchases could bypass ID checks, with implications for journalists, activists, and whistleblowers.