The 'Truth in Caller ID Act' passed the US House of Representatives on Wednesday, April 14, 2010.  The bill is targeting software and processes which would allow a practice called "Caler ID spoofing" or inserting a name, number and other information that is not related to the actual phone number being used.  In several high-profile instances, spoofing has led people to release sensitive information -- such as Social Security and credit card numbers -- to those who then use the information to commit identity theft.

"Last year, the New York City Police Department uncovered an identity theft ring using Caller ID Spoofing to victimize over 6,000 out of more than $15 million," said U.S. Representative Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., who sponsored the legislation.

A companion bill has already passed the Senate and it awaits the last step, which is an informal conference to reconcile any differences between the bills.

The legislation has the potential of stopping the use of any and every virtual phone number.  It does not prevent caller ID blocking, where no information is sent.....so all privacy advocates can stay behind closed doors, but services like OneBox, Google Voice, virtual PBX's and any other service may just be on the chopping block.

Keep your eyes peeled as to what effects this legislation has on the startups daily life!