Caller ID Spoofing about to be outlawed
two bills making their way through the House and Senate will outlaw caller ID spoofing.
By Ken Fisher/ last updated June 27th 2007 *8:49PM
“Today the US Senate Committee on Commerce Science and Transportation has passed S. 704 a bill that would make it a crime to spoof caller Id Dubbed the “truth in Caller ID Act of 2007” the bill would outlaw causing “any caller identification service to transmit misleading or inaccurate caller identification information “via” any telecommunications service or IP-enabled voice service.” Law enforcement is exempted from the rule.
While we all probably wish this would outlaw caller ID blocking( think “private”) it won’t The proposed legislation only targets misleading caller ID spoofing such as pranking your buddy by sending along “Bush GHW” with your next VoIP call.
“Caller ID provides critical informatin to whose who rely it ” said Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK) in a statement. “HOwever, when this technology is used to deceive people it can endanger personal privacy and safety. This bill will help strengthen the ability of the FCC and states to combat these nefarious practices” We know Stevens is just sick of getting calls from “Tubes, Internet” and Mr. Giant Truck”
The bill was introduced in February by Senmator Bill Nelson (D-Fl) and Senator Olympia Snowe(R-ME) A similar act has been introduced in the House and passed, making it very likely that this little bill will indeed someday become a law.
On a serious note, caller ID spoofing can be used to bypass dial-in systems that use your calling location to determine who you are.