CNN reports that the DMA has succeeded in blocking the national “Do Not Call” list from going into effect on October 1st. Apparently, the federal District Court in Oklahoma City ruled that the FTC “acted without statutory authority in creating and implementing the national do-no-call list.” Back in June I was very happy to hear that the FTC finally stepped in to do something about unwanted telephone solicitation, even though I had heard about all of the loopholes associated with this effort. However, I had a sneaking suspicion that something like this would happen.
I’m totally baffled about the DMA’s outcry over the “Do Not Call” list, although I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. The DMA claims that it would “violate free speech laws and discriminate against the telemarketing industry, which employs millions of people.” Well, that’s just plain stupid. The DMA should be ecstatic that it will have a comprehensive, national list of phone numbers that identifies households that do not want to receive calls. Anyone that took the trouble to sign up for this list will more than likely never buy anything sold to them over the phone (I know I won’t). I submit that the list would allow them to better target the people who have not signed up, saving millions of dollars in wasted time and phone calls rather than putting the telemarketing industry out of business. But I guess common sense rarely comes into play with things like this…
