The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have strengthened their international partnership in the fight against spam, scams, and unauthorized telemarketing activities. The two agencies have signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Unsolicited Communications Enforcement Network (UCENet), a group of public authorities dedicated to combating unsolicited communications.
The MOU, initially signed in 2016, serves as a non-binding agreement to facilitate information exchange, capacity building, and enforcement assistance among international partners. The decision to renew the MOU was influenced by its past successes in fostering communication about emerging threats and complaint trends. As a result, UCENet members have opted to convert the MOU into an evergreen document.
FTC Chair Lina M. Khan emphasized the commission's commitment to utilizing all available resources to combat unsolicited communications that impact consumers. In a press release, Khan stated, "The challenge of unsolicited communications is not confined by geographic boundaries. Our renewed commitment to this MOU emphasizes the essential role of international cooperation in addressing this pervasive issue."
The renewed MOU has garnered endorsements from UCENet partners in Canada, Australia, South Korea, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Together, these countries aim to tackle the challenges arising from unsolicited communications, including illegal and spoofed robocalls, text messages, and emails that victimize millions of consumers annually.
The updated MOU also takes into account the role of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service providers in facilitating illegal robocalls, often originating from overseas locations. The strengthened partnership seeks to complement domestic efforts by enhancing international collaboration.
With this renewed agreement, the FTC and FCC, along with their international partners, are fortifying global initiatives to combat spam, scams, and unauthorized telemarketing activities. By prioritizing international cooperation, these agencies aim to protect consumers from the pervasive issue of unsolicited communications.
