Introduction to STIR/SHAKEN
As the battle against robocalls and caller ID spoofing continues, industry-wide initiatives such as STIR/SHAKEN have emerged to enhance caller ID trust and reduce fraudulent communication.
In this support article, we will explore the latest updates on STIR/SHAKEN, its significance in combating unlawful practices, and its relationship to A2P 10DLC compliance.
What is STIR/SHAKEN?
STIR/SHAKEN, which stands for Secure Telephone Identity Revisited/Signature-based Handling of Asserted Information Using toKENs, is a framework implemented by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 2021 to authenticate outbound voice calls. It establishes a standardized process to ensure the trustworthiness of caller ID information and combat the growing issues of robocalls and caller ID spoofing.
The Purpose and Importance of STIR/SHAKEN
STIR/SHAKEN aims to authenticate and verify the integrity of caller ID information.
By implementing technical protocols, service providers can differentiate legitimate calls from unauthenticated robocalls or spoofed calls. This framework plays a crucial role in restoring consumer trust and confidence in voice communications.
Why is STIR/SHAKEN Happening?
The rise of internet-based communication has posed challenges for carriers and regulators in identifying and filtering out fraudulent actors in the telephony ecosystem. The surge in robocalls and spam calls undermines the effectiveness of legitimate business calls.
STIR/SHAKEN is being adopted to address these issues and combat unsolicited robocalling and illegal caller ID spoofing practices.
How will STIR/SHAKEN work?
Service providers are required to implement technical protocols on outbound voice traffic, digitally "signing" calls to distinguish them from unauthenticated robocalls or spoofers.
The level of trust placed on a call is determined by the originating caller's level of "attestation" within the STIR/SHAKEN framework. Transparent disclosure about the caller's relationship to the displayed Caller ID number increases the likelihood of calls being perceived as legitimate and trustworthy.
Benefits of STIR/SHAKEN Compliance
By adhering to STIR/SHAKEN guidelines and achieving compliance, businesses can enjoy several benefits, including:
Improved Answer Rates
Increased caller ID trust leads to higher answer rates, as recipients can be more confident in the authenticity of the calls they receive.
Enhanced Caller Identification
Compliance with STIR/SHAKEN enables businesses to display their verified business name on recipients' devices, helping to establish trust and identification.
Reduced Call Blocking
STIR/SHAKEN-compliant calls are less likely to be blocked by call-blocking applications, ensuring that your legitimate calls reach their intended recipients.
STIR/SHAKEN implementation deadline and registration process
The FCC set a deadline of June 30, 2021, for STIR/SHAKEN implementation, and Aloware is fully compliant with these requirements. The registration process is now open, and Aloware will handle as much of the registration on behalf of our customers as possible.
For more information and to register your company and brand, please follow this link.
The Impact of A2P 10DLC Compliance on STIR/SHAKEN
A2P 10DLC compliance and STIR/SHAKEN are interconnected as both initiatives focus on improving communication authenticity and reducing fraudulent practices.
A2P 10DLC compliance ensures that businesses register their brand and campaigns, enhancing transparency and reducing the likelihood of unauthorized communication. STIR/SHAKEN complements this effort by authenticating calls and preventing caller ID spoofing.
Steps to Ensure STIR/SHAKEN Compliance
To achieve STIR/SHAKEN compliance, businesses should take the following steps:
Understand STIR/SHAKEN
Familiarize yourself with the technical aspects, attestation levels, and protocols involved in STIR/SHAKEN implementation.Coordinate with the Aloware Compliance Team
Collaborate with your voice service providers, such as Aloware, to ensure they are implementing the necessary protocols and meeting STIR/SHAKEN requirements.Reach out to [email protected].
Register with A2P 10DLC
Comply with A2P 10DLC regulations by registering your brand and campaigns. This helps establish trust and alignment with STIR/SHAKEN guidelines.Monitor Compliance
Regularly review and assess your voice communication practices to ensure ongoing compliance with both STIR/SHAKEN and A2P 10DLC requirements.