Insights

Fireside Chat with the FCC: Strengthening Enforcement in Telecom

Oct 10, 2024

This year’s Somos Summit was not just about discussions — it was about action. Bringing together top minds from across the telecom ecosystem, the event focused on driving meaningful change and fostering collaboration to tackle some of the industry’s most pressing challenges. From cutting-edge fraud prevention techniques to advancements in AI and network security, attendees were equipped with the tools and knowledge to shape a more secure and innovative future. The Somos Summit underscored Somos’ commitment to creating a trusted, seamless communications experience for businesses and consumers alike. 

We were honored to have the Federal Communications Commission’s Chief of the Enforcement Bureau, Loyaan Egal join us again on stage to bring his valuable expertise and insights from the FCC perspective. Helping to moderate the discussion was Somos’ very own Joel Bernstein, VP and Head of US Public Policy and Government Affairs to discuss new efforts to combat telecom fraud, legal challenges and the strengthened cooperation between the FCC and telecom providers to create a more secure communication landscape. 

One of the central themes was the need for industry collaboration to effectively address telecom fraud. Both Bernstein and Egal emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships, noting that a united effort is vital to maintaining the trust and integrity of the telecommunications ecosystem. This partnership was exemplified by the introduction of the FCC's Consumer Communications Information Services Threat (CSIST) program, which targets bad actors in robocall schemes. Its first case, “Royal Tiger,” marks a significant step in identifying and tracking fraudulent entities. 

The session also addressed legal shifts affecting regulatory enforcement, particularly the recent Supreme Court rulings that challenge the FCC's authority. While these rulings present new obstacles, Egal stressed that enforcement remains a priority. Additionally, the conversation touched on the FCC's proactive stance on regulating AI-generated political content and ongoing vigilance around spoofing and fraud prevention, particularly in the lead-up to elections. 

Closing on a positive note, Egal shared encouraging data, including a notable 23% decrease in robocall traffic over the past year and a significant drop in consumer complaints. These results highlight the power of industry cooperation in reducing telecom fraud. Both Egal and Bernstein reiterated the importance of maintaining this momentum and working together to ensure a safer and more reliable communications environment. 

Key Takeaways 

• Industry-wide cooperation and public-private partnerships are integral to combat telecom fraud and maintain trust in the telecom ecosystem. 

• The FCC launched the Consumer Communications Information Services Threat (CSIST) program to address robocall threats, identifying and tracking entities engaged in fraudulent activities. 

• The FCC is proactively regulating AI-generated political content, requiring clear disclosures and addressing concerns about deepfake technologies, especially during elections. 

• Significant improvements include a 23% decrease in robocall traffic from 2022 to 2023. 

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To learn more about the 2024 Somos Summit and to gain access to on-demand recordings, visit www.somos.com/summit