[jimvdv]

I think this is antithetical to most people’s view of privacy on this platform :)

[strangattractor]

Make it an option. I should be able to block my number from the receiver of the call if I choose. The receiver should be notified the number is blocked and can choose accordingly. The fact that numbers can be spoofed is what should be illegal. Any company making calls should have to identify themselves to the person receiving the call.

[gwbas1c]

I think if you want to make an anonymous call, you need to find a party that will be liable for your call.

[zeven7]

Do most people actually care about being able to place phone calls and be anonymous in 2024? If I call someone it's either someone who has my number already or someone who is going to ask who it is (like a business) and I'm going to tell them who I am.

[supertrope]

Doctor's offices and schools are notorious for using the caller ID "blocked." I let them hit voicemail.

[EarthAmbassador]

There are many valid reasons for making anonymous calls in 2024, including but not limited to being able to suss out information without exposing ones on identity.

[nonethewiser]

Crazy to think phonebooks published your name, number, and even address. Much smaller world.

[j33zusjuice]

They still do. If you’ve made any public transaction (like buying a home), Whitepages will publish your info. That’s not the only reason for it, either. My 90 year-old relative was listed, and she doesn’t own anything.

[2OEH8eoCRo0]

Yes. What happened to that? It's interesting that we became more private in that regard while gushing personal information from sensors worn on our bodies 24/7.

[Seattle3503]

When I visited the FCC many years ago, one fo the reasons they give for allowing anonymous calls is the the protection of domestic violence victims. Eg they may need to call their abuser to talk about child support payments. They shouldn't need to reveal too much information away, particularly if it could be used to find their address (eg a phone number)

[al_borland]

I’ve never personally been involved in this type of situation, but it seems like if the relationship is such that there is a safety issue from information potentially slipping during a phone call, maybe the court should be dealing with that communication if there is an issue with child support payments not getting made.

[marcosdumay]

Anonymity and privacy are different things.

And anonymity against your interlocutor is usually a very bad thing. Even though there are a few exceptions.

[A4ET8a8uTh0]

I think what I would is a level playing field. If I get a call like that I cannot trace, I would expect that I should be able to do the same. If I am held to a standard that is not conducive to privacy, so should the person on the other side of that call.

But.. there is money on the line. Clearly, money from telemarketers/scammers/whoever is using this tech is enough to make telecoms hesitate from actually doing something about it.