If you're sick of robo-calls from telemarketers interrupting you at dinner to try and sell you stuff you don't want (or anything for that matter), you're not alone. Plenty of us have complained about these types of calls and now finally something is being done to stop them. The Federal Trade Commission passed a new law that aims to clamp down on this pernicious form of marketing.
Yesterday the FTC amended its Telemarketing Sales Rule (PDF) with stricter provisions for prerecorded telemarketing calls. Starting December 1, 2008, all prerecorded marketing calls must provide an automated, interactive opt-out mechanism. On September 1, 2009, to receive such calls, prerecorded telemarketers need our written permission.
Informational calls, such as flight cancellations and service appointments, are not affected by the amended law, as those calls are not sales attempts, the FTC said. But if you're looking to keep McCain and Obama from infiltrating your life with recorded political messages, you're out of luck. Calls from political campaigns are considered protected speech by the FTC and are unaffected by the amendment.
Paired with the National "Do Not Call" Registry, it looks like telemarketers will have to try harder, and we can hopefully eat dinner and channel surf in peace. For more tips on skirting telemarketers, check out what PC World's Steve Bass has to say.
There is a non-profit group working to create a Political Do Not Call list. Already 7 politicians have signed the "do not robo call" pledge.
Learn more:
http://www.stoppoliticalcalls.org/index.php
Shaun Dakin
CEO and Founder
The National Political Do Not Contact Registry
Commcast sells its customers an internet speed based on the cable program they buy. How in the hell are they then going to turn around and limit that speed or charge you more because you use what you purchased.
Another big business phucking the customer. Must be because of rising fuel cost.