• On November 22, 2011, the FTC continued its crackdown on illegal robocalls by taking action against a telemarketing operation that allegedly helped clients make robocalls, call phone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry, and mask Caller ID information, in violation of the FTC’s Telemarketing Sales Rule. The company, Sonkei Communications, Inc., allegedly sold robocall services to telemarketers offering credit card services, home security systems, and grant procurement programs. Sonkei allegedly gave clients the means to hide their identity by transmitting inaccurate caller names on caller ID displays, such as “SERVICE MESSAGE” or “SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT”. The FTC, through the Department of Justice, is seeking civil penalties and an injunction against Sonkei. More information is available here.
  • EXTENSION OF TIME GRANTED: In response to a number of requests citing the complex nature of the questions and issues raised, the FTC has extended the deadline for comments on proposed amendments to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rules. The deadline is now December 23, 2011. The FTC press release about the proceeding is available here. The text of the Federal Register notice is available here. The announcement regarding the extended deadline is here.