Deter Obnoxious, Nefarious, and Outrageous Telephone Calls Act of 2025; DO NOT Call Act
Summary
The Deter Obnoxious, Nefarious, and Outrageous Telephone Calls Act of 2025, or the DO NOT Call Act, aims to amend the Communications Act of 1934 by increasing penalties for violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1993. This includes introducing criminal penalties for those who willfully and knowingly violate the act. The bill also increases penalties for providing inaccurate caller identification information.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to deter unwanted telephone calls by increasing the risk of fines and imprisonment for violators. This could lead to a reduction in the number of robocalls and scam calls received by consumers. It also strengthens the enforcement mechanisms against those who intentionally provide false caller ID information.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced number of unwanted telephone calls for consumers.
- Increased protection against scams and fraudulent activities conducted via telephone.
- Stronger disincentives for companies and individuals engaging in illegal telemarketing practices.
- Enhanced consumer privacy and control over their communication channels.
- Potentially decreased financial losses due to phone scams.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased burden on law enforcement and the justice system to prosecute offenders.
- Potential for unintended consequences or loopholes that could be exploited by telemarketers.
- Possible challenges in accurately identifying and prosecuting offenders, especially those operating from outside the United States.
- Risk of over-criminalization for minor violations.
- The effectiveness of the law depends on consistent and rigorous enforcement.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce, as telephone communications often cross state lines. The bill's focus on preventing fraud and protecting consumers also aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution's preamble. However, concerns could arise regarding the First Amendment if the penalties are applied in a way that unduly restricts legitimate business communications; this would require careful judicial review.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).