Robocalls and phone scams are a global epidemic, but governments worldwide are taking action. In the US, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) lead the fight, enforcing strict laws that also influence how other nations approach the issue.
This blog explores the key US laws around call blocking and compares them to regulations across the world.
What Are the US Laws Governing Landline Call Blocking?
The United States has one of the most advanced anti-robocall frameworks in the world. Key regulations include:
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Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA, 1991): Prohibits unwanted telemarketing calls without consent.
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Truth in Caller ID Act (2009): Bans spoofing with intent to defraud or cause harm.
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TRACED Act (2019): Expands FCC authority to fine robocallers up to $10,000 per call and mandates STIR/SHAKEN caller ID authentication.
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Do Not Call Registry: Managed by the FTC, it restricts legitimate telemarketing but doesn’t stop illegal scams.
These laws make call blockers not only legal but encouraged to protect consumers.
Summary: US laws like TCPA, the Truth in Caller ID Act, and TRACED Act give FCC and FTC broad powers to stop robocalls and approve call-blocking tools.
How Do US Carriers Comply With These Regulations?
Carriers must now verify caller ID data through STIR/SHAKEN, reducing spoofed calls. Many also provide free or low-cost filtering tools:
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AT&T ActiveArmor
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Verizon Call Filter
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Spectrum Call Guard
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Xfinity Voice Protection
The FCC requires carriers to report their progress in blocking unwanted calls, and failure to comply can result in penalties.
Summary: Carriers use STIR/SHAKEN and AI-driven filters to meet FCC standards and block illegal calls at the network level.
How Do Other Countries Regulate Call Blocking and Spam Calls?
Here’s how global regions compare:
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UK: Ofcom and ICO enforce privacy laws through the PECR and GDPR frameworks, with TPS registration for consumers.
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Canada: The Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) governs telemarketing and mandates carrier call-blocking.
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Australia: The Do Not Call Register Act 2006 enforces strict opt-out rights and heavy fines for violations.
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Japan & Singapore: Require telecoms to authenticate caller ID and cooperate in tracing scam calls.
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European Union: Implements ePrivacy laws requiring clear consent for all marketing calls.
These shared principles—consent, traceability, and carrier accountability—form the global foundation for call-blocking regulations.
Summary: Globally, nations enforce variations of consent-based telemarketing laws and require carriers to implement caller authentication systems.
How Do These Laws Protect American Consumers?
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Greater transparency: Verified caller ID lets you know who’s calling.
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Reduced robocalls: FCC enforcement actions have drastically cut spoofed calls.
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Stronger penalties: The FTC can fine violators and shut down fraudulent operations.
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Consumer empowerment: Devices like CPR Call Blocker are fully legal and supported by regulators.
For example, in 2025, the FCC fined a robocall network $300 million for impersonating car warranty companies—one of the largest penalties in history.
Summary: US regulations give consumers stronger protection, transparency, and legal recourse against scam callers.
Conclusion
From the FCC’s TRACED Act to the UK’s GDPR-based frameworks, countries around the world share one mission: stop unwanted calls and protect consumers. Call blockers are legal, encouraged, and increasingly essential in this global effort.
Explore CPR Call Blocker to protect your loved ones today.
FAQs
Q: Are landline call blockers legal in the US?
A: Yes, they’re fully legal and even promoted by the FCC as part of consumer protection.
Q: What is STIR/SHAKEN?
A: A caller authentication system required by US law to reduce spoofing.
Q: Can I still get scam calls if I’m on the Do Not Call list?
A: Yes—scammers often ignore it, which is why call blockers are still important.
Q: Are there international laws against spoofing?
A: Yes, countries including Canada, Australia, and Japan now have caller ID authentication mandates.
