The Consumer Cell Phone Number Distribution Protection Act of 2007 is a new bill that was introduced in October, and its objective is to protect the privacy and the wireless number of cellular phone users. Hence, if you are a cell phone user and have been worried about how available your cellular number is to third parties, this bill will likely be of significant interest to you.
Of course, like any law, there are some pros and cons you need to be aware of when it comes to the Consumer Cell Phone Number Distribution Protection Act.
Pros –
• Reduces the number of unwanted and unauthorized calls - The bill is attempting to limit the number of telemarketers, and the many other unwanted and unauthorized calls and text messages that eat up free cell phone minutes, which eventually cause an unnecessary rise in fees and increase a cell phone user’s bill.
• Helps protect your privacy – According to the bill, unless you have already permitted the public release of your number, your number should remain private. When a cell number is sold, it usually comes with other features such as the cell phone user’s personal information which can include: credit history, the names and numbers of parents or spouse, past residences, etc. Can you imagine what would happen if your personal information fell into the wrong hands? Essentially, there is enough personal information that tags along with the wireless number that the recipient can easily commit identity theft.
Furthermore, what’s worse is if a number that is used by a minor is sold, this could cause a safety issue for the child in question.
• Strong penalty: Anyone who is caught and found guilty of distributing a mobile number without the cell phone user’s permission will be subject to a fine, up to six months in jail, or both penalties.
Cons -
• The bill will help to limit the number of telemarketer and similar calls, but it will not stop them entirely.
• If you have already given your permission for your number to be released publicly, this bill cannot protect you should problems occur.
• One of the major cons when it comes to the Cell Phone Number Distribution Protection Act of 2007 is that it has only been recently introduced and is in the first step of legislative process. Therefore, it is still a long way off from being passed and it can be changed.