| Comment Number: | OL-112657 |
| Received: | 1/3/2005 4:16:42 PM |
| Organization: | ACCESS (http://www.GuardMyCreditFile.org) |
| Commenter: | James Malmberg |
| State: | DC |
| Subject: | Trade Regulation Rule on Telemarketing Sales |
| Title: | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Request for Comment |
| CFR Citation: | 16 CFR Part 310 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
With study after study showing that average American's want greater control over their privacy, it is appalling that the federal government might weaken its telemarketing standards, and allow more invasions of personal privacy. Consumers normally provide their contact information to companies when making a purchase or applying for credit. Provision of personal information is often a condition of sale (for instance, purchasing a cell phone or applying for a home equity lone). Anyone not willing to provide such information is automatically excluded from the sales process. It is understandable that companies must require certain information from consumers in order to do business with them. But it is a reasonable expectation that the information provided by consumers will be used only for the purpose for which it was provided. I am unaware of any consumer who has ever filled out an application for a cell phone, or any other item for that matter, with the ulterior motive of being solicited repeatedly by an automated voice attendant! The government should be doing things that give consumers greater control over how their personal information is used, rather than weakening its already inadequate regulations. Sincerely, Jim Malmberg