A Federal Communications Commission proposal to require more identifying information from phone users has sparked concerns among privacy advocates and those who rely on anonymous prepaid phones for safety.

The FCC’s plan aims to curb robocalls but could complicate the use of burner phones, which are often crucial tools in domestic violence situations. Critics argue that mandatory ID checks could prevent victims from protecting their identities while fleeing abusive partners.

“Many of the behaviors and privacy-protective measures the Commission appears to view as suspicious are, for survivors, well-established and often life-preserving safety practices,” said Belle Torek, a Technology Safety Specialist with the National Network to End Domestic Violence.

The Kansas Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence echoed these concerns, stating that implementation of such rules would harm victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking by making it harder for them to escape dangerous situations without being tracked.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr defends the KYC requirements as necessary to close gaps in customer vetting, asserting they will reduce robocalls and make it easier to identify scammers. However, critics fear that such measures could inadvertently block access to crucial privacy tools for vulnerable individuals.