[VOIPSEC] Truths on "Truth in Caller ID Act"

[Geoff Devine]

John Osmon <josmon at rigozsaurus.com> writes:

> If we aren't careful, we're going to have "truth in Caller ID"
> and "network neutrality" laws that seriously hinder the growth
> of the telecommunications industry.  We need to take the time
> to throw out simple models that people can grasp, and ponder
> upon.

So....

Why would a "truth in Caller ID" law be bad?  If you placed the burden
on telephony service providers to prevent spoofed CallerID and made it a
crime for an individual to spoof CallerID, I'd classify it as sound
public policy.  If it doesn't happen, my telephone is going to start
ringing at 3 AM with spoofed calls from Nigeria claiming to be my
employer or a family member.  Unlike Email spam, a telephone call is a
very intrusive thing.  There may be an emergency where I absolutely need
to have my phone ring at 3 AM.

Geoff