Michael Geist is my hero

Canada has had a rules for a while now, passed back in 2005, that required the creation of a Do-Not-Call registry for telemarketers. While it is better than nothing, it doesn't quite live up to my expectations, as it offers exemptions to charities, political parties, surveys, and the biggest hole in my mind, companies that have had prior dealing with you. That leaves a lot of wiggle room, does that mean that if I bought a Pepsi at some point the in past that Pepsi now can call me with offers as much as they want? Luckily the law also provides you with an out, if you request to have your name removed from their list, they are bound by law to do so. And that applies to EVERYONE. This was a bit useless though, since you had no way of knowing who has your name and number and had to be called by each before you can get your name off the lists. It also doesn't prevent the ones who haven't called you yet from sharing your information with other organizations. Back a few years ago I was getting a ridiculous number of charity calls, so much so that when I moved I swore I would never get a regular phone again. Now I go cellphone only, which they are not allowed to call because it may cost me money assuming I don't have unlimited airtime, which I don't.

So Professor Geist came up with a solution. Register on his site, and it will send out emails to all of the organizations that are not bound by the do-not-call registry. They will get an email from the site on your behalf requesting them to remove you from their list. If you want they can remember your information so that any new organizations pop up get covered as well.

Find the new site here: http://ioptout.ca/content/view/2/3/