Idaho Legislature: Bill would limit 'robocalls'

Is this a reasonable law, or more infringement on freedom of speech?

From the Associated Press:

BOISE – Many state lawmakers around the country want to slam down the receiver on pesky automated phone calls like the ones that interrupted suppers before last November's election.

On Thursday, Idaho joined Missouri, Maryland, Florida, Connecticut, Nebraska, Tennessee and North Carolina, among other states, which since November have agitated for more oversight over automatic dialing-announcing devices, or "robocalls."

A bill in the Idaho House would require political and charitable organizations at the start of every automated call to disclose who is behind the message, and how they can be reached. Sponsors say giving those on the other end of the line more information allows them to choose to listen further – or hang up.

Published Friday, March 02, 2007 8:50 AM by Right-Mind

Comments

# re: Idaho Legislature: Bill would limit 'robocalls'

It's reasonable. The Constitution guarantees freedom of political speech, not freedom of anonymous political speech that's meant to make you think someone else is engaging in said speech for the purpose of intentionally spreading disinformation. If you want to engage in political speech, this law would make sure you have the intestinal fortitude to say who you are.

Saturday, March 03, 2007 7:18 AM by Bubblehead