On January 6, the FCC issued a final rule in the Federal Register to strengthen the Robocall Mitigation Database, a key tool for combating illegal robocalls and ensuring compliance with caller ID authentication standards. The final rule will: (i) require all entities registering with CORES to update their information within 10 business days of any change; (ii) impose a $10,000 base forfeiture for submitting false or inaccurate data to the database; (iii) set a $1,000 base forfeiture for failing to update information on time; (iv) establish a $100 application processing fee for initial and annual submissions; (v) mandate annual recertification by March 1; and (vi) direct the development of a two-factor authentication system to secure database access. The FCC further instructed the Wireline Competition Bureau to create a dedicated reporting mechanism for deficient filings and to issue additional guidance and best practices for filers.

These measures, according to the agency, aim to improve the accuracy, completeness and security of the database which is employed by law enforcement and downstream providers to prevent illegal robocall traffic. The rule will provide daily penalties until violations are cured and will apply the agency’s red-light rule to the database, which bars processing of filings from parties with outstanding non-tax debts to the FCC. Apart from specific amendments to §§ 1.8002(b)(2), 64.6305(h), and 1.1105 — which require additional review or notice before becoming effective — the rule will take effect on February 5.