Slanted "facts" from the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse

 

The following is an except from the document "Caller ID and My Privacy: What Do I Need to Know?" from the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse.

Notice that this document lists 10 reasons to choose Complete Blocking, and only three anemic reasons in favor of Selective Blocking. Although each of the reasons to choose Complete Blocking is in itself legitimate, the total of these special cases probably constitute a tiny fraction of 1% of all subscribers. I find it outrageous that public policy regarding the convenience and useability of the phone sytem can be set by such a small group.

This whole document gives me the creeps. Notice the tabloid-like use of boldface to guide your thinking (all the while using the word "choice" liberally). I particularly like the cloak-and-daggger warnings in the last paragraph describing when Selective Blocking is a good choice. Doesn't this strike you as borderline paranoia?

"Remember, Selective Blocking puts you at risk for the occasional slip-up -- by yourself, guests, the babysitter, or children. A single call where you or a guest forget to enter the Selective Blocking code (*67) can leave you open to unwanted marketing or, worse, a stalker or harasser. Post the blocking sticker provided by the phone company on your phone so you and others are reminded of the blocking option you have selected. When you visit others and use their phone, always ask which blocking option they use."

[--jc]


Caller ID and My Privacy: What Do I Need to Know

Choosing Complete Blocking. Your decision to choose Selective or Complete Blocking depends in large part on the risk you face if your phone number is revealed to someone else. The higher the risk, the more likely you will want to choose Complete Blocking. Your phone number will automatically be blocked for every call you make when you select Complete Blocking. You may unblock individual calls by pressing *82 before dialing the number (1182 on rotary phones).

Listed below are situations in which you might want to choose Complete Blocking.

 

Choosing Selective Blocking. If you experience few of the risks listed above, you are more likely to choose Selective Blocking for your home phone. Here are some situations where Selective Blocking makes sense:

Remember, Selective Blocking puts you at risk for the occasional slip-up -- by yourself, guests, the babysitter, or children. A single call where you or a guest forget to enter the Selective Blocking code (*67) can leave you open to unwanted marketing or, worse, a stalker or harasser. Post the blocking sticker provided by the phone company on your phone so you and others are reminded of the blocking option you have selected. When you visit others and use their phone, always ask which blocking option they use.