Urging the FCC to strengthen STIR/SHAKEN to address fraud

A coalition of industry trade groups is coming together in calling for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to tighten and modernize its caller ID authentication standards through its STIR/SHAKEN framework for the purpose of fraud prevention. The groups urged the agency to focus on measurable reductions in illegal robocalls—not just technical authentication metrics—when evaluating the system’s success.

The joint letter stresses that caller ID authentication standards can only reach their full potential if all voice providers transition to IP-based networks. They ask the FCC to set a firm deadline to migrate from legacy TDM systems, noting that STIR/SHAKEN cannot function on non-IP technology.

Knowing fraud remains a top concern for credit union members and consumers, the groups press for stronger enforcement, including meaningful penalties for improper call attestations, as well as tougher entry and ongoing compliance rules for the Robocall Mitigation Database.  

Other recommendations include:

• Clearer and more consistent Know-Your-Customer requirements to ensure providers conduct thorough due diligence before allowing traffic onto their networks.
• Expanding future authentication beyond traditional phone numbers to include branded calling and Rich Call Data— with verified names, logos, and call purposes—to give consumers more confidence in the calls they receive.  
• Eliminating exemptions that allow some providers to sidestep STIR/SHAKEN obligations, including those tied to service provider code token access and non-IP networks.  
• Reforms to the Secure Telephone Identity–Governance Authority to improve transparency, prevent token misuse, and add board seats for enterprise callers and consumer protection advocates.

Read the full letter