Rep. Jackie Speier (D., Calif.) introduced legislation today that would require telephone companies to offer consumers free robocall-blocking technology. The bill is called the Repeated Objectionable Bothering of Consumers on Phones (ROBOCOP) Act. “After hearing from many constituents about this issue–and experiencing the annoyance of robocalls myself–I am proud to introduce legislation to block robocalls once and for all,” said Ms. Speier. “ROBOCOP will put an end to the scourge of robocalls so families can enjoy dinner in peace, people can watch their favorite show without constant interruption, and you won’t ever be left wondering if you actually won a Caribbean cruise.”

“Robocalls have become epidemic but the phone companies have been slow to provide their frustrated customers with relief,” said Tim Marvin, who heads up the End Robocalls campaign for Consumers Union. “This bill will ensure that phone companies take action and provide consumers with the tools they need to stop being harassed by unwanted calls that ring day and night.”

“Like millions of Americans, I’m tired of robocalls and frustrated by the fact that the callers’ identification is often unavailable or faked,” said Susan Grant, director-consumer protection and privacy at the Consumer Federation of America. “CFA endorses this legislation to give consumers better tools and stronger legal rights to prevent these fraudulent and abusive sales calls.” – Paul Kirby, paul.kirby@wolterskluwer.com

Courtesy TRDaily