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STEVE ISRAEL
Second District. New York
June 4, 2012
The Honorable Julius Genachowski
Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
445 Twelfth Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20554
Dear Chairman Genachowski,
I write today to urge the Federal Communications Commission to work with wireless carriers to
make password-protected voicemail standard for mobile phones. The lack of security is a
dangerous problem that threatens the privacy rights of my constituents in New York and all
Americans.
I know you are aware of this problem and implore you to use your powers to address this and
protect American consumers. On July 14,2011 you testified before the House Energy and
Commerce Subcommittees on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade and Communications and
Technology in the wake of the phone-hacking scandal by British newspaper News of/he World.
During that joint subcommittee hearing you were asked about the security of cell phones, and
you stated "There is no question that greater protection can be accomplished by using password
protection and that's an area that should be looked at."
I understand that many carriers have voluntarily made password protection as the default (in
which consumers must actively opt out), but other wireless carriers have not made password­
protected voicemail a standard feature in their products or contracts. Even worse, these outlier
carriers often hide the fact that password-protection for voicemail requires action by the
consumer in the very fine print of their wireless contracts. It is of the utmost importance that
consumers are aware of the dangers surrounding password security vulnerabilities.
I appreciate that the Commission has already taken many positive steps towards protecting smart
phone and cell phone users' privacy, but more must be done to inform consumers about the
danger for exposure of personal information. As recent news reports show, no citizens are safe
from this breach of privacy, even celebrities. [ recommend that the Commission strive to inform
consumers to the fullest extent about the wireless products they are purchasing and any privacy
concerns with those products.
As we all know, the privacy of American citizens is paramount to the Commission, which is why
I thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I look forward to hearing from you
concerning this issue. If you have any questions, please contact Molly Ahearn at 202-225-3335.
Sincerely,
~~~
Steve Israel
Member of Congress