Antitrust Law Daily Wrap Up, CONSUMER PROTECTION NEWS: FCC to disclose “Do-Not-Disturb” technologies data, (Oct 22, 2015)

By Michael Menzhuber, J.D., LL.M.

In an effort to help developers build and improve “do-not-disturb” technologies that will allow consumers to block or filter unwanted calls and texts, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will release robocall and telemarketing consumer complaint data weekly, according to an agency announcement. The data, which includes originating phone numbers of telemarketers and automated robocalls, will be released and available on the FCC’s Consumer Help Center’s website.

This data is similar to the data released periodically by the FTC. “Do Not Disturb” technologies use this information to determine what numbers might be originating unwanted calls. Companies may use data like this to further improve their services in determining what calls and texts a consumer might choose to block or filter.

The FCC gave the green light for do-not-disturb technology in June. It also clarified that there are no legal barriers to service providers offering robocall-blocking technologies to consumers. Currently, such services are available today as apps on some smartphones and on VoIP phone systems. However, work is still underway for many carriers and third-party providers to offer consumers these tools on traditional landline networks.

Consumer complaints to the FCC are a vital tool in the agency’s work. Complaints about unwanted calls and texts are by far the largest complaint category to the FCC, with over 215,000 complaints last year. In addition to their use in providing vital data for these robocall-blocking technologies, consumer complaints can be used to inform policy decisions by the FCC. They can also be used by the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau to track trends and enforce the rules

For more information on the tools available to consumers in combatting unwanted calls and texts, the FCC has a consumer guide available here.

News: ConsumerProtection Privacy