Do Not Call Registry (DNC list)
Definition
What is a Do Not Call (DNC) Registry?
The national Do Not Call Registry is a database maintained by the United States (US) federal government that contains the phone numbers of people and families who have requested that telemarketers not to call them. Federal law requires that specific callers comply with this request.
The database started in 2003 to provide customers with options when it came to telemarketing calls. The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) decision to establish the National Do Not Call Registry came after a three-year review of the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) and the FTC’s significant experience implementing the rule during the previous seven years.
The FTC also sponsored several workshops, seminars, and briefings to gather input from interested parties and reviewed over 64,000 public submissions, most of which supported the registry’s creation.
Uses of DNC list
The National Do Not Call Registry is an essential regulatory guideline, as it allows customers to choose whether or not they wish to receive telemarketing calls.
As a result of the Telemarketing Sales Rule, the national DNC list was developed, which:
- Necessitates precise disclosures of significant facts by telemarketers;
- Forbids deception and places restrictions on when telemarketers can contact customers;
- Prohibits calls to customers who have requested not to be contacted in the future; and
- Limits the amount of money that can be paid for sales of specific products and services.
Exceptions to the DNC list
The Do Not Call laws have a few exceptions. The registry does not apply to political calls or calls from non-profits and charities due to FTC’s power limitations.
Existing laws and regulations offer the following exclusions:
- The registration only applies to personal calls and does not apply to business lines or business-to-business markets.
- Political organizations may still contact an individual.
- Individuals may still receive calls from surveyors.
- Unless the company is specifically ordered not to contact, a person may still receive calls from a firm up to 31 days after submitting an application or inquiry to that company.
- Bill collectors may continue to contact a person.
- Not-for-profit groups may continue to contact a person.
Independent
