Who Owns Your Wireless Service? Crooks Do. (2019)

The wireless industry is facing a crisis as cybercriminals exploit loopholes and vulnerabilities within major carriers, compromising customer security and privacy. Incidents include employees taking bribes to unlock phones, selling customer location data, and facilitating SIM-swapping attacks leading to significant financial losses. Recent court cases have exposed the industry's lack of control over these issues, with regulators seemingly unable to address the situation effectively. Efforts like SHAKEN/STIR authentication to combat robocalls are underway, but challenges persist, such as carriers charging for anti-robocall services. AT&T is working on solutions like AAVS to mitigate unauthorized SIM swaps. However, the broader landscape lacks robust privacy laws and regulatory oversight, leaving consumers vulnerable to data breaches and exploitation. Despite calls for federal privacy legislation, progress is slow due to political gridlock and corporate interests. The industry's response to these threats remains a work in progress, with ongoing debates on how best to protect consumer data and privacy in the digital age.