CRTC joins international telemarketing enforcement body
By Adnews Staff
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission and the Australian Communications and Media Authority have formed an agreement with 12 enforcement agencies to create an international telemarketing "do not call" network. The CRTC and ACMA will be the network's inaugural co-chairs, while the United States Federal Trade Commission will host the secretariat. The network will meet annually to "facilitate cooperation and the exchange of best practices between agencies that enforce telemarketing rules in their respective countries." Participating countries include Australia, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States. "Enforcement agencies face a common challenge in tracking down individuals and companies who violate telemarketing rules, but operate outside national borders," said Konrad von Finckenstein, chairman of the CRTC. "A global problem calls for global solutions. Having a network that fosters collaboration will contribute to more effective cross-border enforcement activities and help reduce unwanted telephone calls to Canadians from foreign telemarketers."