CANADA/TECHNOLOGY - The Canadian Do-Not-Call-List has proved to be a technological nightmare and a public relations disaster.The problems with the do-not-call list fall into three categories:
1. There are far too many exceptions that allow for the majority of telemarketing calls to continue unhindered. With exceptions for survey companies, political parties, charities, newspapers, and businesses with a prior relationship quite a few telemarketing calls are not covered by the do-not-call legislation.
2. The list – all six million numbers – is available to any telemarketer, including those outside of Canada. With numerous reports of abuse, the danger of making the numbers available to the very organizations precluded from calling those same numbers is now readily apparent. Although frankly I don't see how they plan to make a profit when these people have made it abundantly clear they will just get angry and hang up.
3. The third problem is tied to enforcement. The do-not-call legislation includes provisions for significant penalties, but it falls to the CRTC to investigate complaints and pursue penalties. So far there have been thousands upon thousands of complaints filed, but to date, no penalties.
What we need to do is a software system that can automatically block calls from telemarketing companies, both within Canada and outside of Canada. The software system would screen calls for known telemarketers.
But to create such a software the Canadian government, not the CRTC, would first have to declare telemarketing illegal and an invasion of privacy.
How can you help? You can start by emailing Prime Minister Stephen Harper at pm@pm.gc.ca and Industry Minister Tony Clement at Clement.T@parl.gc.ca and tell them you support making telemarketing illegal and a class action suit against the telemarketing industry for abusing the system/invading the privacy of Canadians.
See Also:
Telemarketing Should Be Illegal
Telemarketers not taking the hint
Boycotting Yak Canada
Dealing with Telemarketers and their Economics
Advertising in America
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