Consumer Information Protection Act Proposed
WASHINGTON (AFA Newswire) In order to "Ensure that American consumers have all the facts they need before buying," the Consumer Information Protection Act ("CIPA"), was introduced yesterday in the House of Representatives by congressman Rick A. Koonz (R-CT).
"Free speech isn't just the right to speak, it's the right to be heard as well," said Koonz, "And that right gets trampled every time a TV commercial goes unwatched, unread spam is deleted or someone hangs up on a telemarketer. The Consumer Information Protection Act guarantees advertisers the First Amendment protection they so desperately need."
To that end, CIPA would permanently abolish the Don't-Call List and make illegal "Anything that impedes the delivery of information about new products and/or services." The bill's list of things it would criminalize ranges from anti-spam software and the "mute" on TV remote controls to slamming the door in a salesman's face.
Furthermore, the bill proposes that by 2012 every television set sold in America must contain a "CIPA-Chip" that prevents changing the channel once a commercial has begun.
Critics, such as consumer rights advocate J.P. Manley, call the legislation, "Appalling. A self-serving distortion of the First Amendment," and "A shameless giveaway to the advertising industry."
"To ensure that Americans have all the facts they need before it's too late," says Manley, "We're preparing a PR campaign to generate public opposition to CIPA using every means of communication at our disposal; TV, radio, newspapers, direct mail, email, phone calls and billboards."
"We'll knock on every door of every house in this country day and night," vows Manley, "If that's what it takes to protect peoples' right to be left alone."