The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has amended a rule governing telemarketing communications to protect consumers from unwanted robocalls and robotexts. The new rule, known as "one-to-one consent," requires businesses to obtain written consent from consumers before sending such communications.
Under the previous rule, lead generating businesses were able to mislead consumers by obtaining consent for one company's telecommunications, only to bombard them with unwanted calls and text messages from industry competitors. This practice left consumers frustrated and overwhelmed by the constant intrusion.
Attorney General Josh Kaul, along with a coalition of 29 Attorneys General, provided input to the FCC, urging the commission to enact the one-to-one consent requirement. In a letter filed in June, the Attorneys General emphasized the need to reduce the number of robocalls and robotexts that consumers receive.
Attorney General Kaul stated, "This new rule is another positive step in reducing the number of robocalls and robotexts that folks receive. We must keep working to ensure that people aren't being inundated with robocalls."
The amended rule specifically targets common lead generation practices where consumers are offered quotes for goods or services online. In order to receive the quote, consumers are required to agree to receive calls and/or texts from the lead generator's marketing partners. However, this often results in consumers being bombarded with communications from thousands of different businesses offering various goods and services. The businesses are usually identified on a separate webpage accessed through a hyperlink, rather than being listed outright.
The coalition of Attorneys General, including Wisconsin, Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Washington D.C., Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming, joined forces to support the implementation of the one-to-one consent requirement.
The FCC's decision to adopt the one-to-one consent rule is a significant step towards protecting consumers from unwanted telemarketing robocalls and robotexts. By requiring businesses to obtain written consent from consumers before sending such communications, the FCC aims to reduce the number of unwanted calls and texts that consumers receive.
As technology continues to evolve, it is crucial for regulatory bodies like the FCC to adapt and implement measures that safeguard consumers from intrusive and unwanted communications. The one-to-one consent rule is a clear indication of the FCC's commitment to protecting consumer privacy and ensuring a more peaceful and less intrusive communication environment.
For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.doj.state.wi.us/news-releases/fcc-adopts-one-one-consent-rule-protect-consumers-unwanted-telemarketing-robocalls-and