| WASHINGTON,
D.C. – U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) introduced legislation
to ensure that online consumers have access to the same basic service from
their email providers that they have from their phone company or local
post office.
“If
you move your home or business, the post office will forward your mail.
If your phone number changes, the company will give your callers the new
number. Why should it be any different when you’re ready to change
your e-mail address?” Schakowsky asked.
Schakowsky
introduced the Email Address Forward Act, H.R. 4455. It would require
e-mail providers to forward new e-mail addresses to senders or forward
new e-mails to old customers for six months. Consumers who do not
wish to be found can simply waive their right to the service.
“Millions
of e-mail users are forced to choose between risking losing contact with
friends or customers or staying with an Internet service provider even
if the prices are too high or the service is terrible. With millions
of users logging on everyday, it’s time to give consumers a choice. It
time for email to catch up with snail mail,” Schakowsky said. |
