Antitrust Law Daily Wrap Up, PRIVACY NEWS: Schumer announces introduction of robocall-blocking bill, (Jun 7, 2016)

By Paul Kirby,TRDaily

Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D., N.Y.) has announced the introduction of legislation to require landline and mobile carriers to offer free robocall-blocking technology to consumers. The bill also would mandate that the FCC require carriers to label and block calls with fraudulent caller ID numbers.

The bill is a companion to the Repeated Objectionable Bothering of Consumers on Phones Act (ROBOCOP) Act, introduced by Rep. Jackie Speier (D., Calif.) in the House of Representatives.

"Robocalls are one of the things that annoy Americans the most and the ROBOCOP Act will finally help put a rest to these dreaded calls that are interrupting family dinners—or worse—scamming people out their hard-earned money," said Sen. Schumer. "Despite the existing ‘Do Not Call’ registry, the robocall problem has returned in a serious way. It’s an epidemic that we’ve got to stop—whether it’s the landline OR the mobile phone. It’s taking far too long for telecom companies to act, so that’s why I’m introducing the ROBOCOP bill which will finally require all major landline and mobile carriers to work towards making robocall blocking technology available to all consumers."

"Most Americans have signed up for the Do Not Call list, but the unwanted calls from telemarketers and scam artists have just gotten worse," said Chuck Bell, programs director for Consumers Union. "Senator Schumer's bill will ensure that the phone companies take action and provide their customers with the tools they need to block robocalls. We urge Congress to pass this bill and provide their frustrated constituents with the relief they deserve."

News: Privacy