FCC Asks 'Opt-In, Or Opt-Out?'

FrankHaynes writes: "The U.S. FCC seeks comments on this proposed rule in which they seek 'to obtain a more complete record on ways in which customers can consent to a carrier's use of their CPNI (Customer Proprietary Network Information)'. They are debating an opt-in approach versus an opt-out approach. Commentors have until 1 November, 2001 to submit their opinions." Opt-out puts the burden on the victim; opt-in encourages a responsible, sustainable customer / company relationship. What am I missing here?

Comments

Opt-in

[CleverNickName]

I have always argued that opt-in is the fair way to go. Why should the burden of being left the hell alone fall onto me, the consumer?

And I don't know about you, but when I opt out, I feel like a bit of a heel: "Here's all my information, my email, my address, my phone number...now, please don't use any of this information, dear spammer."

I wonder if the day is not too far off when those of us who have opted out get on a big list of "people who've opted out" and get a mass "So, you like to opt out, eh?" mailing...

The FCC should go with opt in. It's for questions like these that "duh" was invented.

What, I should have to WORK to be left alone?

[allism]

My former insurance company sent me three letters (one for each of our cars and one for our renter's insurance), stating that I had to fill out each one and send them back in (one letter wouldn't cover it) to get opted out of having our personal information sold. The insult added to injury, however, was that I HAD TO PAY FOR THE *(&^% STAMPS to send these back...and they made it clear in the letter that sending them back in the same envelope would lead to the letters being disregarded.

What Timothy's missing

[Rick the Red]

What am I missing here?

Uh, a clue, perhaps? Of course opt-in is better for the public than opt-out. That's why the FCC has never before supported opt-in for anything. Wake up! The news here is that they are even considering opt-out, but I suppose that can be written off to posturing so they can claim they asked for public comment. Asking doesn't mean they have to listen to our replies. But reply anyway -- tilting at windmills will give you a warm fuzzy feeling inside while you rot in jail for opposing the will of our corporate government, you terrorist.