Last week, the FCC adopted new protections against fraudulent and deceptive use of caller ID. Callers are still permitted to alter caller ID if their purpose is not fraudulent or harmful -- such as calling a domestic abuse hotline -- but fines may be imposed for malicious intent.
Under the FCC's new rules:
- Violators are subject to up to $10,000 for each violation, or three times that amount for each day of continuing violation, to a maximum of $1 million for any continuing violation.
- The FCC may assess fines against entities it does not traditionally regulate without first issuing a citation.
- The FCC can impose penalties more readily than it can under other provisions of the Communications Act/
