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Appeals court upholds federal do not call registry

A US federal appeals court upheld the government's do not call registry today, dismissing telemarketers' claims that it violates free speech rights and is unfair because it doesn't apply to charities and political solicitations. The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals called the registry reasonable fit.''

We hold that the do-not-call registry is a valid commercial speech regulation because it directly advances the government's important interests in safeguarding personal privacy and reducing the danger of telemarketing abuse without burdening an excessive amount of speech,'' the court said. The politically popular registry, which took effect in October, contains more than 56 million phone numbers. Industry officials have said they expect about 2 million of their 6.5 million workers will lose their jobs within two years if the do-not-call rules stand.

The Tenth Circuit's ruling represents a major victory for American consumers,'' said Timothy Muris, chairman of the Federal Trade Commission.We are pleased that this popular program, like America's dinner hour, will not be interrupted.'' The appeals court overturned U.S. District Judge Edward Nottingham of Denver, who said the list violated free-speech rights by barring calls from businesses but not charities.

 Posted: February 16th 2004