The Federal Communications Commission wants to ban burner phones by requiring telecoms to collect customers' government IDs and physical addresses. The move impacts privacy advocates, domestic abuse survivors, and journalists who rely on anonymous communication. Critics call it a sweeping surveillance expansion reminiscent of authoritarian regimes.

The FCC argues the data collection will combat scams by letting telecoms verify identities upfront. Under the proposal, carriers must store names, addresses, ID numbers, and alternate phone numbers for all new and renewing customers. The agency compares it to anti-money laundering measures at banks, claiming it will help track fraudsters.

Privacy experts say scammers will simply forge documents anyway, making the policy ineffective. The Electronic Frontier Foundation called it a "bold attack on freedom of communication," while Cape, a privacy-focused carrier, warned centralized data increases breach risks. Telecom companies already collect varying levels of info, but this would standardize strict requirements nationwide.

The FCC is accepting comments until June 25, asking if prepaid and postpaid plans should have different rules. Critics argue the privacy loss outweighs minimal anti-scam benefits, especially for vulnerable populations needing anonymity.