In addition, new services could virtually eliminate privacy problems while vastly improving the usefulness and accuracy of the information for residential callers. A real version of Caller ID would be a welcome service. In conclusion, no phone number should be disclosed without the user's knowledge and consent, except in emergencies. If a person does nothing, subscribes to no new service, current expectations of privacy should not change. The privacy interests of both the call originator and call recipient can be accommodated.
Call originators have the right to decide when to disclose their numbers.
Call recipients have the right to decide whether to accept calls. Any weakening of this policy takes a service away from customers. Per-line Call Blocking should continue to be the default service for all customers. In addition, the phone company should obtain customers' approval before using customer information for any purpose other than that for which it was collected. The company always should tell customers why they are collecting information and should not require that customers agree to blanket use of information.