Today’s Regulatory Mix: Implementation of Anti-Robocall Technology, FTC Resolves Robocalling Claim Involving Grand Bahama Cruise Line

Implementation of Anti-Robocall Technology 

According to a news report, research conducted by the California Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) indicates that most providers have not implemented technology to combat illegal robocalling required as of June 30, 2021.  The research indicates that out of the 49 largest phone companies nationwide, only 16 have reported to the FCC full implementation of anti-robocall technology. 27% have partially implemented the technology, while 56% said they were not using the industry-standard technology but are using their own methods to manage robocalls.  According to California Attorney General Rob Bonta, he is working alongside the California State Department of Justice and sister states to lead the legal charge in holding both the FCC and phone companies accountable for their lack of action. 

 

FTC Resolves Robocalling Claim Involving Grand Bahama Cruise Line  

The Federal Trade Commission released a statement announcing a proposed settlement order with seven remaining defendants in massive robocalling scheme. The FTC alleged the defendants involved in the Grand Bahama Cruise Line (GBCL) operation made or facilitated millions of illegal calls to consumers nationwide, pitching free cruise vacations between Florida and the Bahamas. Starting in 2013, the defendants operated their own in-house call center, employing telemarketers to call consumers. Through 2017, the GBCL operation also hired outside call centers, including several other defendants, which marketed the cruise vacation packages. GBCL’s telemarketing operation allegedly bought call lists from lead generators that conducted illegal survey robocalls to identify potential customers. In addition to delivering millions of illegal robocalls through 2018, the FTC claims the defendants failed to scrub their lists against the agency’s Do Not Call (DNC) Registry. Johnathan Blake Curtis and Anthony DiGiacomo, who controlled four corporations involved in the, also pay $50,000 each in civil penalties permanently bans them from engaging in, or assisting others in engaging in, making robocalls to consumers. 

 

 

The Regulatory Mix, Inteserra’s blog of telecom related regulatory activities, is a snapshot of PUC, FCC, legislative, and occasionally court issues that our regulatory monitoring team uncovers each day. Depending on their significance, some items may be the subject of an Inteserra Briefing.