Caller ID Spoofing Banned

Fiber Optic networks such as these deliver all of the phone calls to their destinations.

The process of sending incorrect information across voice communications services in the United States was made illegal on Wednesday, as the House of Representatives passed the bill that was before it on the matter.

The one exception to the practice (there is always one!) is that law enforcement agencies can still do it.

The bill includes all forms of voice contact, including VoIP, which means no escape for those using Magic Jack, or any similar service. Sorry, kids.

Though the bill is not quite law, because the President must sign it; there is no indication that he has any reason not to sign.

Callers will be banned from transmitting misleading or inaccurate caller ID information on any voice communications services, including VoIP. It does not ban you from blocking your own information when making calls (as with *67), but you can’t use technology that would display a different phone number or name on someone else’s phone.

The Federal Communications Commission will have to implement the law within six months of the president signing it. The bill already passed the Senate in February.

There is an exception for law enforcement or intelligence agencies conducting investigations.

Of course, just because something is illegal does not mean that it won’t continue to happen, and when it does, how will you know how to track it, or inform the authorities, so they can.