In a year marked by unprecedented shifts and technological advancements, the telecom industry has been at the forefront of innovation to better meet the changing needs of consumers and businesses alike.
In the season three finale of Numeracle’s live Tuesday Talks podcast, our thought leaders reflected on the past year and the trends shaping 2024. This episode, led by Founder & CEO Rebekah Johnson, features Pierce Gorman, Sarah Delphey, Brett Nemeroff, and Anis Jaffer – each a luminary in the telecom field. They examined the past, present, and future of the telecom ecosystem, including standards and technology, AI (Artificial Intelligence), KYC (Know Your Customer), email and SMS, and the critical role of identity in business communications.
As AI continues to evolve, it's poised to significantly transform digital identity, by enhancing security and user experience. Yet, with these advancements come notable challenges. The increasing sophistication of AI technologies raises concerns about AI-generated threats, such as deepfakes and advanced phishing attempts. But the FCC is paying attention. On February 8, 2024, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) made using AI-generated voices in robocalls illegal to combat the rising tide of sophisticated scams targeting consumers.
The FCC's regulation, while commendable, underscores the complexity of addressing AI-related security threats and voice scams that demand a strategy imbued with identity-protecting mechanisms.
"With the advent of AI technologies, we're seeing significant enhancements in telecommunications and beyond. However, the key to leveraging AI effectively lies in integrating it with strong digital identity solutions to address emerging threats.” - Brett Nemeroff, VP of Engineering - Voice
This integration would necessitate not only regulatory action but also a concerted effort from developers, industry stakeholders, and consumers themselves. Future initiatives must focus on advancing detection technologies, enhancing public awareness, and fostering international cooperation to effectively mitigate these risks.
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The evolution of email and SMS technologies is at a pivotal juncture, driven by enhanced security and the push for more personalized user experiences. Anis Jaffer, Numeracle’s Chief Product Officer, highlights this shift, noting, "Businesses are increasingly adopting brand identities in emails, using BIMI standards and Verified Mark Certificates for authentication. Major platforms like Gmail, Yahoo, and Apple (iOS 16+), are voicing their support, marking a critical move towards more secure and identifiable email interactions." This push towards integrating logos and brand identities into emails underscores the broader industry trend toward enhancing communication security and user engagement.
Simultaneously, the telecom industry is gearing up for wider adoption of Rich Communication Services (RCS). Major tech entities, including Apple, are throwing their weight behind RCS, heralding a new era for SMS that promises enhanced media-sharing capabilities and heightened security measures. This shift aims to narrow the gap between traditional SMS and contemporary messaging applications, elevating the standard for user experience in text messaging.
Ultimately, the evolution of email and SMS technologies, enriched by secure, personalized experiences, could mean a future where communication not only meets the demands of the digital age but also enhances the connection between brands and their audiences.
2023 saw significant changes to Know Your Customer (KYC) processes in the telecom industry. These changes were driven by regulatory requirements and industry initiatives aimed at prioritizing customer verification and compliance.
In 2024, the spotlight on digital identities grows even sharper, with an anticipated surge in self-sovereign identity (SSI) initiatives. These developments represent a move towards a more user-centric verification model, where organizations control their digital identities free from intermediaries. Harmonizing security with privacy and convenience, it reflects an adaptive stride toward empowering users.
However, as technologies evolve, so do the tactics of fraudsters, making continuous innovation in KYC solutions essential for staying ahead of potential threats. The adoption of privacy by design principles and investment in scalable KYC solutions that can adapt to changing regulations and technologies will be key strategies for organizations preparing for the future of KYC.
“As we set our sights on 2024, we are positioned to revolutionize KYC beyond its current scope. Building upon the foundation laid by our inaugural KYC template for service providers last year, we are now primed to push the boundaries even further. I envision a future where KYC empowers safer, smoother digital transactions, making compliance a seamless part of the customer experience.” - Sarah Delphey, VP of Trust Solutions
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The integration of Rich Call Data (RCD) standards and out-of-band SHAKEN technologies presents a forward-looking approach to enhancing call authentication and mitigating fraud risks. Within the STIR/SHAKEN framework, RCD empowers organizations to consistently deliver and display a branded identity on incoming call screens. Out-of-band solutions, such as Google's Verified Calls, bolster RCD's effectiveness on supported devices like Pixel phones, improving the call recipient's confidence in the legitimacy of incoming calls.
Looking ahead to 2024, Pierce Gorman, a Distinguished Member of Numeracle’s Technical Staff, shares an optimistic view: "I do expect to see a finalization of rich call data and out-of-band specifications. The adoption of these standardized protocols will be instrumental in rebuilding consumer trust in voice communications."
RCD, as part of the STIR/SHAKEN framework, enables enterprises to achieve a consistent brand presentation on outbound calls. Out-of-band (OOB) SHAKEN can be used to ensure the successful delivery of RCD and other types of call signatures in a few very useful ways. First, OOB can be used to transport call authentication signatures around TDM call legs which would otherwise break end-to-end call authentication. Furthermore, OOB can be used to transport many more types of call signatures than can be carried in-band in SIP signaling because of data packet and message size constraints. Finally, OOB represents another tool that may be used to transport call authentication from call recipient to caller for mutual authentication.
From the integration of pre-call APIs for branded calling to the development of verifiable credentials and contact cards, the telecom sector stands on the brink of embracing transformative technologies that promise to elevate communication experiences and reinforce security measures. But we recognize that progress cannot be achieved alone. The collaborative efforts of industry stakeholders will be essential in driving innovation, promoting interoperability, and addressing emerging challenges.
In a world increasingly reliant on digital connections, the imperative to secure and authenticate these interactions has never been more pressing. Yet, as strides are made in AI and digital identity technologies, promising safer and more user-friendly verification solutions, the specter of fraud looms larger, demanding both business and regulatory adaptation to confront this threat head-on.
"Without strong verification processes, our communications are left exposed to risks of fraud and impersonation. It's not just about security; it's about establishing a foundation of trust that supports every interaction. Ensuring that we know who is on the other end of every communication is a fundamental requirement for trustworthy communication.” - Rebekah Johnson, CEO
In the pursuit of a more transparent and trustworthy ecosystem, the integration of technology with strategic regulatory insight is vital. This approach is our compass; Numeracle works with various industry counterparts and key stakeholders, all of us committed to ensuring that as digital identities transform, our collective ability to manage these changes does so with resilience and integrity.
As the telecom landscape continues to evolve, Numeracle stands at the intersection of these changes as a leader, guiding the industry towasrd a future where technology and trust converge to create safer, more reliable, and more engaging communication experiences.
Looking forward, Numeracle's solutions are set to redefine telecom standards, providing the tools and expertise necessary to navigate the complexities of today's digital landscape. By prioritizing identity, security, and compliance, we are laying the groundwork for a future where communication is inherently secure. As we journey into 2024 and beyond, Numeracle continues to lead with a vision that transcends the status quo. Subscribe to the Numeracle Insights Newsletter for the latest industry news, emerging technologies, regulatory matters, and updates on the upcoming Season 4 of the live Tuesday Talks Podcast.
Visit our website or contact our team to learn more about Entity Identity Management and how it can revolutionize your healthcare communications.
