[ipython]

Exactly. There is a gross information asymmetry that underlies the problem. In order to participate in many parts of society, you need a phone number. For 99% of us, the link between that phone number and your identity is basically public.

Then, along comes scam callers and illegal telemarketers. They have the capability to spoof arbitrary phone numbers to call you, which you as an individual do not have. Then, even if you do discover a real outgoing number that traces back to them, they can hide their true identity behind this bullshit “privacy” excuse.