CRTC announces 2nd annual meeting of the International Do Not Call Network to facilitate cooperation on telemarketing enforcement

OTTAWA-GATINEAU, Oct. 24, 2012 /CNW/ - Today, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) welcomed three new enforcement agencies to the International Do Not Call Network. Agencies from the Netherlands, Portugal and Japan attended the network's 2^nd annual meeting, which was held on October 19, 2012.

Through the International Do Not Call Network, members from 15 countries are cooperating on enforcement and education activities. They are also working with the industry to find technology solutions to ensure do-not-call regimes are protecting and empowering consumers. The CRTC and ACMA serve as the network's co-chairs, and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission hosts the secretariat.

"This year's meeting focused on the ever-increasing use of technologies to hide the identity of individuals and companies who violate telemarketing rules," said Andrea Rosen, the CRTC's Chief Enforcement Officer. "Having a network that fosters collaboration among agencies and private industry to overcome these challenges will increase our ability to identify and take action against violators."

The International Do Not Call Network facilitates cooperation among agencies that enforce telemarketing rules in their respective countries. Members meet annually to establish best practices and encourage the development of robust telemarketing laws and policies around the globe. The network also works to educate consumers to recognize and report telemarketing violations.

The CRTC is promoting international cooperation to enforce telemarketing rules. As part of its enforcement efforts, the CRTC recently collaborated with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and ACMA to halt telemarketers based in India from calling Canadians on the National Do Not Call List (DNCL). The CRTC issued notices of violation against two Indian companies, imposing administrative monetary penalties in excess of $500,000.

Launched in September 2008, the National DNCL helps Canadians reduce the number of unsolicited telemarketing calls and faxes they receive. Companies are not allowed to make unsolicited marketing or sales calls to numbers that have been registered on the list for more than 31 days, with some exceptions. Canadians may register on the National DNCL or file a complaint about a telemarketer by calling 1-866-580-DNCL (3625) or visiting www.lnnte-dncl.gc.ca.

Additional information on the International Do Not Call Network

The International Do Not Call Network meets annually to facilitate cooperation and the exchange of best practices between agencies that enforce telemarketing rules in their respective countries. The 2^nd annual meeting was held on October 19, 20121, which brought together the following countries:

Australia
Canada
France
Hong Kong
Ireland
Israel
Japan
Korea
Mexico
Netherlands
New Zealand
Portugal
Spain
United Kingdom
United States

The CRTC

The CRTC is an independent public authority that regulates and supervises broadcasting and telecommunications in Canada.

Reference documents:
Key facts for consumers
Key facts for telemarketers
How does the CRTC enforce the Unsolicited Telecommunications Rules?

SOURCE: Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

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