The Federal Communications Commission is considering making it more difficult for telemarketers to leave ringless voicemails on users’ phones. Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel released a proposal that would require callers to acquire users’ permission before leaving a message straight in your voicemail box.
The idea essentially extends the Telephone Consumer Protection Act’s rights to ringless voicemails. The 1991 law forbids telemarketers and other organizations from using automated systems to make non-emergency calls to your mobile phone without first gaining your agreement. In March 2017, a firm named All About the Message petitioned the FCC to find that the TCPA did not apply to ringless voicemails. Rosenworcel’s proposal would rule against the petition.
“Ringless voicemail can be annoying, invasive and can lead to fraud like other robocalls—so it should face the same consumer protection rules,” Rosenworcel stated. “No one wants to wade through voicemail spam, or miss important messages because their mailbox is full. This FCC action would continue to empower consumers to choose which parties they give permission to contact them.”
The FCC has not stated when a full commission vote on the proposal will take place. The next open meeting of the agency is set for February 18th, although addressing ringless voicemails is not on the agenda for the day. There is no assurance that the FCC will adopt the plan, but when compared to a matter like net neutrality, most Americans want the government to take greater action on eliminating spam calls.
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