Solution to Robocall problem in the U.S. (Person Test)

The person test is a simple question given to a caller to determine whether the caller is a person or a machine. It uses pre-existing, common voice recognition technology. When a call is made, it is run through a call processor that asks a simple random question that any person would be able to answer. Such a question might be: “What color is the White House?” “Are you a duck?” “Are you a person?” “Say: One, two, three, four.” The answers would be: “White,” “No,” “Yes,” and “One, two, three, four,” respectively. The question must be simple enough that there is only one correct answer, but having a randomized question will prevent an automatic correct response from a machine. Questions can be administered in other languages for those who do not speak English. Certain numbers can be exempt from this test such as 911 to facilitate contact in an emergency situation. This test would be mandatory for all call centers and telephone service providers, to ensure the test is administered universally.