Urging The United States Congress To Enact Legislation To Address The Rise In Illegal Text Messages.
Impact
The resolution seeks to compel Congress to take action on this issue, suggesting that existing regulations are inadequate in combating the rise of scam text messages. Currently, telecommunications companies are not mandated to block such texts, though many already block robocalls. The resolution indicates the need for better protective measures, distinguishing the unique nature of text message scams from other forms of communication. If Congress acts on this resolution, it could lead to new federal regulations that require telecommunications companies to take a proactive stance in filtering and blocking such malicious texts.
Summary
House Concurrent Resolution 54 (HCR54) urges the United States Congress to enact legislation aimed at addressing the growing issue of illegal text messages that are used by criminals to scam consumers. It highlights the alarming increase in spam text messages, which rose by eight percent to 7,650,000 in August 2021 compared to earlier months, and notes the substantial number of complaints received by the Federal Trade Commission regarding scam texts, which more than doubled compared to previous years. The resolution underscores that text messaging has become a prominent avenue for scammers, representing a significant risk to consumers' personal information and finances.
Contention
While HCR54 is largely a non-binding resolution urging federal action, its emphasis on Congress consulting with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) points to the necessity for expert input in crafting effective legislation. Some may see this resolution as an important step toward consumer protection and greater accountability for telecommunications providers. However, it may also raise discussions on how far the government should go in regulating communication technologies, along with potential privacy implications of increased monitoring and filtering of messages. The resolution does not delve into the specifics of potential legislative frameworks, leaving room for further debate on the best measures to effectively protect consumers from scam messages.
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