Prevention of Fraudulent Access to Phone Records Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (16 Mar 2006): Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 217.
What this bill does
H.R. 4943, the Prevention of Fraudulent Access to Phone Records Act, would make it illegal to obtain, request, or disclose someone's confidential phone records—known as "customer proprietary network information"—by lying to a phone company employee, submitting false or stolen documents, or knowingly acquiring such records through those means. Sales or disclosures of records obtained this way would also be prohibited. The bill exempts law enforcement acting in the course of official duties under existing law. The Federal Trade Commission would enforce these provisions as unfair or deceptive practices. Separately, the bill amends the Communications Act to tighten telecommunications carriers' privacy obligations, restrict sharing of detailed call records with affiliates and third parties absent customer consent, bar the sale of such records, and require the Federal Communications Commission to issue new security regulations, including breach notification, recordkeeping, audits, and safeguards. It also raises FCC forfeiture penalties for violations.
The bill primarily affects telecommunications carriers (including certain internet-based voice services), their customers, and companies or individuals who might try to fraudulently obtain phone records ("pretexting"), a practice that drew public attention around the time of this bill's introduction. Customers would gain stronger legal protections over their call records, while carriers would face new compliance, security, and reporting requirements enforced by the FCC and FTC.
The bill was introduced on March 14, 2006, in the 109th Congress by Rep. Joe Barton with bipartisan co-sponsors, and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. It did not receive a vote and did not become law; because it was introduced in a prior Congress, it would need to be reintroduced to be considered again.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Prevention of Fraudulent Access to Phone Records Act - Makes it unlawful to attempt to obtain, or cause to be disclosed to any person, customer proprietary network information (CPNI) relating to any other person by: (1) making a false or fraudulent statement to an officer, employee, or agent of a telecommunications carrier; or (2) providing any document or other information to such officer, employee, or agent that the presenter knows or should have known to be forged, lost, stolen, or otherwise fraudulently obtained, or to contain a false or fraudulent statement or representation. Prohibits also: (1) the solicitation of another person to fraudulently obtain such information; and (2) the sale or other disclosure of CPNI obtained under false pretenses. Provides for enforcement through the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to expand responsibilities of telecommunications carriers with respect to the confidentiality of subscriber (customer) calling records, both cellular and land-line based. Allows a carrier to use individual calling records only for purposes such as increasing business or publishing directories, and prohibits a carrier from otherwise disclosing CPNI without express prior authorization by the subscriber. Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to prescribe regulations adopting more stringent security standards for CPNI (including detailed customer telephone records) to detect and prevent confidentiality violations. Provides penalties for such violations.
Timeline
16 Mar 2006
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 217.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 4943 do?
- H.R. 4943, the Prevention of Fraudulent Access to Phone Records Act, would make it illegal to obtain, request, or disclose someone's confidential phone records—known as "customer proprietary network information"—by lying to a phone company employee, submitting false or stolen documents, or knowingly acquiring such records through those means. Sales or disclosures of records obtained this way would also be prohibited. The bill exempts law enforcement acting in the course of official duties under existing law. The Federal Trade Commission would enforce these provisions as unfair or deceptive practices. Separately, the bill amends the Communications Act to tighten telecommunications carriers' privacy obligations, restrict sharing of detailed call records with affiliates and third parties absent customer consent, bar the sale of such records, and require the Federal Communications Commission to issue new security regulations, including breach notification, recordkeeping, audits, and safeguards. It also raises FCC forfeiture penalties for violations. The bill primarily affects telecommunications carriers (including certain internet-based voice services), their customers, and companies or individuals who might try to fraudulently obtain phone records ("pretexting"), a practice that drew public attention around the time of this bill's introduction. Customers would gain stronger legal protections over their call records, while carriers would face new compliance, security, and reporting requirements enforced by the FCC and FTC. The bill was introduced on March 14, 2006, in the 109th Congress by Rep. Joe Barton with bipartisan co-sponsors, and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. It did not receive a vote and did not become law; because it was introduced in a prior Congress, it would need to be reintroduced to be considered again.
- Has H.R. 4943 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 4943. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 4943?
- H.R. 4943 was sponsored by Rep. Barton, Joe [R-TX-6] (R-TX), with 29 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 4943?
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 217. (16 Mar 2006).
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