The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued an order directing voice service providers to block One Eye, a global gateway provider, citing its involvement in facilitating robocall scams. Acting as an “on-ramp” to U.S. phone networks from outside the country, One Eye allegedly enabled fraudulent activities such as impersonating major financial institutions and placing calls regarding fictitious “preauthorized orders” in consumers’ names. The FCC, under the Biden administration, has made combatting robocalls a priority, and this latest action reinforces its commitment to cracking down on entities that aid scammers.
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel stated, “This company – what’s left of it – will now have a place in robocall history. We can and will continue to shut off providers that help scammers.” The FCC’s decision represents the culmination of a series of escalating measures aimed at stopping One Eye from facilitating deceptive robocall campaigns. Initially, the agency cited One Eye’s predecessor, PZ/Illum Telecommunication, for transmitting illegal robocalls. Subsequently, in a cease-and-desist letter issued in February, the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau cautioned One Eye that its rebranding would not absolve it from facing consequences, warning that non-compliance would result in a permanent block. Concurrently, the FCC alerted U.S. voice providers about One Eye’s activities. Finally, in April, the FCC sent an “initial determination order” as another step toward the ultimate block that was imposed today.
The FCC’s statement does not specify the location of One Eye’s headquarters. The cease-and-desist letter addressed in February was sent to a registered LLC in Delaware, but it is possible that this entity represents a U.S. branch of a global operation based elsewhere.
The FCC’s block on One Eye carries significant weight due to the Gateway Provider Order issued in May 2022. This order established a new set of requirements for companies routing foreign calls to the United States. These requirements include caller ID authentication using the STIR/SHAKEN framework, submission of certification plans, timely response to traceback requests within 24 hours, and blocking illegal traffic upon notification by the FCC.
Enforcement Bureau Chief Loyaan Egal commented, “The Enforcement Bureau team has built a fair, transparent, but tough process by which we can essentially shut down access to U.S. communications networks by companies such as One Eye that are targeting consumers with illegal robocalls. Today’s action demonstrates another cutting-edge tool in our robocall enforcement options and represents a landmark date in our efforts to protect consumers from scam calls.”
The FCC’s order to block One Eye underscores its determination to curb the proliferation of robocall scams and protect consumers from fraudulent activities. By taking decisive action against gateway providers involved in facilitating such illegal practices, the FCC aims to safeguard the integrity of U.S. communication networks and restore trust in voice services.
