Is it Lawful for US Telephone Directories? Essential Facts to Consider
In the digital age, the collection and publication of personal data, such as names, addresses, and telephone numbers, has become a common practice. This is particularly true when it comes to telephone companies in the United States.
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 plays a significant role in this practice. This federal law, which deregulated many aspects of telecommunications, allows local exchange carriers (phone companies) greater flexibility to collect and use customer information. The Act obligates telephone companies, which historically produce public phone directories, to provide directory listings unless a customer specifically opts out.
However, it's important to note that Freedom of Information Laws (FOIA) do not grant authority to publish private directory information. These laws govern public access to government records, not private companies.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) also does not apply to phone book listings. This act regulates how consumer reporting agencies handle personal information used to make credit, employment, or insurance decisions.
Modern privacy laws like the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) require notice and opt-out rights but generally permit publishing in directories as this is considered standard telecommunications practice, although consumers can usually request their info be withheld from directories.
Online directories that aggregate publicly available phone data include Whitepages.com, AnyWho, and TruePeopleSearch. Personal data removal from these data brokers is a crucial step towards protecting privacy.
Traditional phone book publishers include AT&T, Verizon, and other telecom companies. Cell phones are protected under the CPNI (Customer Proprietary Network Information) rules, meaning wireless carriers can't publish your number without permission.
To remove a landline number from the phone book, contact your phone provider and request an "unlisted" or "non-published" number (may involve a small fee). Whitepages.com, TruePeopleSearch, and Spokeo provide opt-out or removal tools for personal data.
The FCC reports over 4 billion robocalls per month in the US. The National Do Not Call Registry blocks telemarketers but does not remove you from directories.
Congress has debated potential federal privacy laws for nationwide data protection. Easy access to personal data can be exploited for stalking and harassment risks. The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) gives California residents more control over their personal data.
However, many people are unaware they can remove their information from public directories, leaving them exposed. This lack of awareness underscores the need for education and transparency in data privacy practices.
Technology in data-and-cloud-computing plays a vital role in maintaining and managing modern telephone directories, allowing personal data to be stored and accessed digitally by telephone companies. The use of this technology contributes to the collection, organization, and release of telephone numbers and other personal data.
Government regulations like the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) set guidelines for the handling and publication of personal data in telephone directories, particularly stipulating that consumers have control over their information and the right to opt-out of directory listings.
