Media Contact: 
Mike Snyder, (202) 418-0997
michael.snyder@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
FCC APPROVES NEW RULES TO AID IN TRACKING THREATENING 
PHONE CALLS
Rules Allow Law Enforcement Timely Access to Blocked Caller ID Information 
Critical to Investigations 
  --
WASHINGTON, October 24, 2017—In response to concerns about threatening phone calls 
targeting schools, religious centers and other organizations, the Federal Communications 
Commission today voted to allow law enforcement authorities – under specific circumstances –  
to access blocked caller ID information when needed to identify and thwart threatening callers.  
The Commission’s action creates an exemption to a rule prohibiting carriers from disclosing 
blocked caller ID information.  Threatened organizations will no longer need to get a waiver from 
the rule on a case-by-case basis, enabling quicker investigation of threatening calls.
The FCC continues to take seriously the privacy of law-abiding consumers. The Commission 
limited access to blocked caller ID information to law enforcement personnel and others 
responsible for the safety and security of the threatened party. The Commission also provided an 
exemption for non-public emergency services, such as private ambulance services, to obtain 
blocked Caller ID information of callers requesting their assistance. A similar exemption already 
existed for public emergency services.
Previously, when a school, religious institution, or other organization received threatening calls, 
they had to request a specific waiver from the Commission to obtain the caller ID information 
blocked by the harassing caller.  Today’s Commission action will allow law enforcement and
specified security personnel to quickly access this information, empowering them to more
effectively combat threatening calls.
Action by the Commission October 24, 2017 by Report and Order (FCC 17-132).  Chairman Pai, 
Commissioners Clyburn, O’Rielly, Carr and Rosenworcel approving.  Chairman Pai, 
Commissioners Clyburn, O’Rielly and Carr issuing separate statements.
CC Docket No. 91-281
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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes 
official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).