FCC Allows Bells to Sell Your Telephone Usage Data

Devistater writes "Spotted on hardocp. The FCC said in a ruling yesterday that telephone companies can sell your name, who you call, and for how long you talk to anyone who is an "affiliate." No longer is this required to be an opt in marketing approach, now its OPT OUT. Sounds like spam is coming to the telephone world, and what an egregious breach of privacy. Article on PCWorld has some of the details." There's also a short Reuters story and a good one on ecommercetimes.com.

Comments

Hello Mr Smith

[sdjunky]

Hello Mr Smith, I'm calling today to tell you that we noticed that you are making quite a few calls to 555-555-5555. We further wish to tell you that we believe that these calls are related to you having an extramarital affair.

We are bringing you this service to offer you a chance to keep us quiet with a one time payment of $500. Not only will you get piece of mind ( for now ) that we won't tell your wife but you'll also get a handy cookbook from Martha Stewart.

If you don't wish to have your marriage ruined please stay on the line while I transfer this call to an independent verifier

Have a good day!

Let them trace these calls

[bluveinr]

Here is the FCC Chairman's listed phone number from the FCC website. Keep this line busy for a few weeks and we'll see how his office reacts to "a reduced expectation of privacy".

Powell Michael K CM-CH (202) 418-1000

Re:What about porn calls

[Waffle Iron]

I spend a huge amount of time calling live sex lines. Who would they sell this info to?

Tissue paper companies.

Oh Goody!!

[thales]

After years of using Telespammers as fodder for mind games I got crossed off the call lists and ran out of victims. I Was worried I'd have to quit paying some bills to get calls from collectors, but the telecos are saving the day by providing me with freash meat.

Re:I hope this doesn't become a precedent

[gosand]

Screw it, if any one needs to reach me, send me a damn letter...

You mean like:
- You may have already won $10,000 !!!
- You have been Pre-Approved for a credit card
- You have won a small island in the South Pacific, call 900-SUCKERZ to claim your prize. Hurry!
- Here is a book of coupons for shit you will never buy.
- Please donate to some organization you have never heard of before.
- Get 500 CDs for the price of 1 (plus shipping, handling, and handing over your soul)
- Dear (last person who lived at this address) you have been Pre-approved for a credit card!
- Are the bills getting you down? Debt consolidation can help.
- A special offer just for you Homer J Simpsoy.
- Limited Time Offer!
- We can beat your insurance rates, and save you money $$$$.
- Dated material, open immediately!
- Postal Carrier, do not forward. This is a fantastic prize intended only for the recipient shown below.
- Here is a check for $5000. By endorsing it you agree to open an account with us for that amount, with 27% interest. (this is a real one I got)
- Dell Catalogs
- Victoria's Secret catalogs (OK, I don't mind those)