MP demands opt-in system to ban cold calling firms
People were still being harassed despite Bloctel
An MP is demanding an opt-in system for cold calls to homes meaning firms would only be able to contact people who have expressly agreed to receive calls saying the existing opt-out system with Bloctel is a failure.
Ardennes MP Pierre Cordier said that, despite 3.5million people registering with Bloctel to block 7.4m numbers, people were still being harassed with calls at all hours.
His proposal to change the law was backed in committee and now goes forward for a vote on proposals that include turning the Bloctel system on its head...from an opt-out to an opt-in system. Opt-in systems are used in 11 other EU countries, including Germany.
He added that call firms should also have a separate number so people can recognise them as canvassing calls. Mr Cordier said: “There is no real will on the part of telephone operators to make Bloctel work.
“Our citizens are entitled to peace and quiet.”
Feedback from readers who have signed up to Bloctel is that it is time-consuming and over-complicated to use – and ineffective at stopping calls.
Reader Sian Foster said “it made no difference” while Barry Moffat said he is still getting “8-10 calls a day” and may cancel his landline.
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Renée Schouten Janssen does not “answer the phone unless a number from the Netherlands, Belgium or the UK is shown”.
John Goodall sent complaints for 300 numbers and while calls slowed it was a “complex and crazy” system with individual complaints for each number.
Carolyn Bailey said Bloctel needed too much information.
