FCC says annoyed consumers can say no to robocalls
Phone companies are now a step closer to blocking robocalls.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Thursday adopted a rule giving phone companies the green light to block automatically dialed robocalls and text messages on both landlines and wireless phones.
鈥淚n a package of declaratory rulings, the Commission affirmed consumers鈥� rights to control the calls they receive,鈥� the FCC . 鈥淎s part of this package, the Commission also made clear that telephone companies face no legal barriers to allowing consumers to choose to use robocall-blocking technology.鈥�
The step was taken after the FCC received a flood of complaints about robocalls, even though for years consumers have been able to put their phone numbers on a nationwide "Do-Not-Call" registry. In 2014, the commission received more than 215,000 complaints, the largest category of complaints.
Under the new rule, consumers can revoke their consent to receive robocalls 鈥渋n any reasonable way at any time.鈥� Telephone companies can block robocalls and automated text messages upon a consumer鈥檚 request, by offering blocking technologies and implementing market-based solutions.
The measure was approved by a three to two vote.
鈥淚 detest robocalls. I鈥檓 not alone,鈥� Jessica Rosenworcel, one of three Democrats who approved the measure . 鈥淚t鈥檚 time 鈥� long past time 鈥� to do something about this.鈥�
Michael O'Reilly and Ajit Pai, two Republican commissioners who voted against the measure agree that robocalls are annoying, but say the new rules would make it difficult for businesses to serve their customers.
Using robocalls to sell something without is illegal.
Consumer advocates and some members of Congress believe to stop them.
CNN reported in February that the non-profit Consumers Union had gathered to pressure phone companies to take action against robocalls.
But not everyone is happy about this decision. Survey takers believe this measure will jeopardize access to information about public's lives and opinions.
鈥淚t鈥檚 really going to be a horrible thing potentially for the research profession and potentially for society,鈥� Howard Fienberg, director of government affairs聽for the Marketing Research Association ahead of the FCC vote.
Pollster Peter Hart also told the paper that losing the advantage of public opinion polling on issues of the days will have "a聽profound聽effect on democracy."
FCC however believes this decision was made because the public has requested it.
鈥淭he American public has asked us 鈥� repeatedly 鈥� to do something about unwanted robocalls,鈥澛犅燭om Wheeler on Thursday.
鈥淭oday, the FCC stands by consumers with its clear message to industry that consumers have the right to control the calls and texts they receive,鈥� said Linda Sherry, director of national priorities at Consumer Action.
Susan Grant, director of Consumer Protection and Privacy at Consumer Federation of America, also said that they 鈥渆xpect companies to act quickly to implement blocking options for their customers.鈥�
