Political robocalls are automated political telemarketing phone calls. Computers dial the calls and deliver recorded messages on behalf of campaigns or interest groups.
Robocall Privacy Act of 2008
In February 2008, a bill was proposed in the U.S. Senate that would restrict the frequency and timing of political robocalls. It would also require callers to identify the person or organization behind the calls. Sens. Dianne Feinstein, Daniel Inouye and Arlen Specter are sponsoring S. 2624, also known as the Robocall Privacy Act of 2008. Critics have said that this legislation would be in violation of the First Amendment right to freedom of speech.
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Fast Facts
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Used for polling, campaigning
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Sometimes voice-automated and interactive
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Operations using DS3 telephone lines can make 672 calls at once, at a cost of less than $100 a month
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Federal Communications Commission's Do Not Call List contains exemptions for political and religious calls, including some robocalls
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Limits on robocalls have been set up in 23 states
