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How STIR/SHAKEN is going to affect VoIP robocalls in Canada?

STIR/SHAKEN (Secure Telephone Identity Revisited/Signature-based Handling of Asserted information using toKENs) is a set of standards that aim to combat illegal robocalls and caller ID spoofing in Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) networks. In Canada, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has mandated the implementation of STIR/SHAKEN by the end of 2021 to combat unwanted telemarketing and fraud.

The STIR/SHAKEN framework uses digital signatures to verify the authenticity of the caller ID information associated with a VoIP call, and to detect if the caller ID information has been manipulated. This helps to reduce the number of illegal robocalls and caller ID spoofing in Canada, and increase the trust in the caller ID information displayed on call recipients' phones.

With the implementation of STIR/SHAKEN, service providers must ensure that the caller ID information associated with a VoIP call is properly verified and authenticated, and that any calls that do not meet the STIR/SHAKEN standards are flagged or blocked. This makes it easier for service providers to detect and block illegal robocalls and to protect their customers from unwanted telemarketing and fraud.

How do Canada combat robo callers?

The Canadian government and regulatory bodies have implemented a number of measures to combat robo calls in Canada:

• The CRTC's Unsolicited Telecommunications Rules: The CRTC has implemented rules that regulate telemarketing and automatic dialing-announcing devices (ADADs), which are commonly used for robo calls. These rules require telemarketers to obtain prior consent from consumers before making telemarketing calls, and to maintain accurate do-not-call lists.
• The National Do Not Call List: The National Do Not Call List is a database of phone numbers that telemarketers are not allowed to call. Consumers can add their phone numbers to the list to reduce the number of unwanted telemarketing calls they receive.
• STIR/SHAKEN: As mentioned earlier, STIR/SHAKEN is a set of standards aimed at reducing illegal robocalls and caller ID spoofing in VoIP networks. Service providers are required to implement STIR/SHAKEN by the end of 2021, and to verify the authenticity of the caller ID information associated with each VoIP call.
• The CRTC's enforcement efforts: The CRTC has the authority to enforce the rules and regulations related to telemarketing and ADADs, and can issue penalties and fines for violations. The CRTC also investigates complaints from consumers and can take enforcement action against telemarketers who violate the rules.
• Technology solutions: Many telecommunications companies offer technology solutions, such as call-blocking and call-labeling services, to help their customers identify and block unwanted calls. These services can be integrated with the National Do Not Call List to provide consumers with an effective way to reduce the number of unwanted telemarketing calls they receive.

How STIR/SHAKEN has changed the VoIP industry last years?

STIR/SHAKEN has had a significant impact on the VoIP industry in the past few years. Here are some of the ways that STIR/SHAKEN has changed the VoIP industry:

• Improved call authentication: STIR/SHAKEN provides a way to verify the authenticity of the caller ID information associated with a VoIP call, making it more difficult for illegal robocalls and caller ID spoofing to occur. This has increased the trust in the caller ID information displayed on call recipients' phones, and has made it easier for service providers to detect and block illegal robocalls.
• Increased regulatory compliance: With the implementation of STIR/SHAKEN, VoIP service providers must ensure that the caller ID information associated with each VoIP call is properly verified and authenticated. This has increased the regulatory compliance requirements for VoIP service providers, and has helped to reduce the number of illegal robocalls and unwanted telemarketing calls.
• Enhanced consumer protection: STIR/SHAKEN has helped to reduce the number of illegal robocalls and unwanted telemarketing calls, making it easier for consumers to identify and block unwanted calls. This has increased consumer protection and has made it easier for consumers to trust the caller ID information displayed on their phones.
• Increased investment in technology: With the implementation of STIR/SHAKEN, VoIP service providers have had to invest in technology and infrastructure to ensure compliance with the new standards. This has driven innovation and investment in the VoIP industry, and has led to the development of new technologies and solutions to combat illegal robocalls and caller ID spoofing.

Overall, STIR/SHAKEN has had a significant impact on the VoIP industry, helping to reduce the number of illegal robocalls and unwanted telemarketing calls, and increasing the trust in the caller ID information displayed on call recipients' phones.