US government approves new rules to block robocalls
Phone companies will be able to automatically enroll customers in call blocking services; Fox Biz Flash: 6/6.
Federal authorities announced a major crackdown on dozens of robocallers responsible for about 1 billion robocalls.
The effort, dubbed "Operation Call it Quits," included actions by the Federal Trade Commission and 25 additional federal, state and local agencies, to target spam call operations nationwide that pitch a range of products and services, including credit card interest rate reductions, money-making schemes and medical alert systems.
Tuesday's announcement brought the number of cases from the FTC against illegal robocallers and Do Not Call (DNC) violators to 145.
DRONES ARE THE LATEST TOOL TO FIGHT WILDFIRES
Can robocalls be stopped? (iStock)
APPLE CONSIDERED FITTING CAMERA IN APPLE WATCH'S WRISTBAND
The FTC's work to battle the onslaught of "universally loathed" robocalls also includes new information to educate consumers and efforts to promote the development of technology-based solutions to block robocallers.
“We’re all fed up with the tens of billions of illegal robocalls we get every year,” said Andrew Smith, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, in a press release. “Today’s joint effort shows that combatting this scourge remains a top priority for law enforcement agencies around the nation.”
The FTC worked with 45 law enforcement partners across the country in the crackdown.
Lawmakers are also preparing to target robocallers, with several measures currently working their way through Congress.
Get a daily look at what’s developing in science and technology throughout the world.