WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee and former chairman of the Communications, Technology and the Internet Subcommittee, released the following statement after the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced its largest fine ever for two companies for unlawful calls to consumers on the Do-Not-Call Registry. Rep. Markey is the House author of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), which established the National Do Not Call Registry.
 
“As House author of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, I am pleased that the Commission pursued and brought charges against the operators of this robo-call rip-off who were preying on financially-strapped consumers and placing calls in violation of the ‘Do Not Call’ list. With Americans struggling through some of the toughest economic times in generations, it is the height of unscrupulousness to deceive consumers with the false promise of imminent financial relief. The Commission has been a tough cop on the beat for consumers, and I commend the court for agreeing with the FTC.”
 
Rep. Markey has been the Congressional leader on providing privacy protections for personal consumer information. The lawmaker has investigated the data privacy and security practices of Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, Carrier IQ, College Board, Groupon, and the four major wireless carriers and the Social Security Administration.
 
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