The Consumer Cell Phone Number Distribution Protection Act of 2007 was first introduced on October 9, 2007. It was sponsored by U.S. representative Ted Poe. The act was introduced in order to ban certain disclosures of cellular phone numbers. Its purpose is to protect cellular phone customers from the misuse of their private information (I.E. personal identification, credit card, credit card history, your number, names and numbers of family members, etc.).
In other words, the Consumer Cell Phone Number Distribution Protection Act was created to stop third parties from selling consumers’ cellular phone number without their consent. Therefore, it is illegal for anyone who sells a wireless subscriber’s cell phone number without the subscribers express permission for this specific disclosure. This includes:
• If the wireless subscriber’s number is not already publicly available
• If the wireless subscriber’s number was obtained by the discloser or someone in privity with the disclosure as part of a condition for completing a commercial transaction which is in or has an effect on interstate or foreign commerce and is not related to the disclosure.
Anyone charged with this offence and found guilty will be fined or imprisoned for a maximum of 6 months, or may be subject to both penalties.
Currently the Consumer Cell Phone Number Distribution Act of 2007 is in the first stage of legislative process. The bill has been introduced to the House Judiciary Committee. This committee will deliberate, investigate, and revise the bill before a general debate is begun. It is likely that the bill will be changed significantly in markup sessions, and will not be the same as when it was first introduced. It is also possible, that the bill may never make it past the committee, which is the case for most bills that are introduced.
It is very important that as a wireless subscriber, or if you are thinking about becoming one, that you do everything you can to protect your personal identification. Therefore, make sure you read all the fine print before signing any contracts.