WARNING: AMATEUR AND PERSONAL RADIO SERVICES LICENSEES AND
OPERATORS MAY NOT USE RADIO EQUIPMENT TO COMMIT OR FACILITATE
CRIMINAL ACTS
The Enforcement Bureau (Bureau) of the Federal Communications Commission issues this
Enforcement Advisory to remind licensees in the Amateur Radio Service, as well as licensees
and operators in the Personal Radio Services, that the Commission prohibits the use of radios in
those services to commit or facilitate criminal acts.
The Bureau has become aware of discussions on social media platforms suggesting that certain
radio services regulated by the Commission may be an alternative to social media platforms for
groups to communicate and coordinate future activities. The Bureau recognizes that these
services can be used for a wide range of permitted purposes, including speech that is protected
under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Amateur and Personal Radio Services,
however, may not be used to commit or facilitate crimes.
Specifically, the Bureau reminds amateur licensees that they are prohibited from transmitting
“communications intended to facilitate a criminal act” or “messages encoded for the purpose of
obscuring their meaning.”1
Likewise, individuals operating radios in the Personal Radio
Services, a category that includes Citizens Band radios, Family Radio Service walkie-talkies, and
General Mobile Radio Service, are prohibited from using those radios “in connection with any
activity which is against Federal, State or local law.”2
Individuals using radios in the Amateur or
Personal Radio Services in this manner may be subject to severe penalties, including significant
fines, seizure of the offending equipment, and, in some cases, criminal prosecution.3
Media inquiries should be directed to 202-418-0500 or
MediaRelations@fcc.gov.
To file a complaint with the FCC, visit
https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov or call 1-888-CALLFCC. To report a crime, contact your local law enforcement office or the FBI.
1
47 CFR § 97.113(a)(4).
2
47 CFR § 95.333(a).
3
47 U.S.C. §§ 401, 501, 503, 510.
FCC ENFORCEMENT ADVISORY
Federal Communications Commission DA 21-73
2
To request materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities (Braille, large print,
electronic files, audio format), send an e-mail to
fcc504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer &
Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) 418-0530 (voice), (202) 418-0432 (TTY).
Issued by: Chief, Enforcement Bureau
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