The US telecom regulator might stop protecting you from 'slamming' and 'cramming'

The US telecom regulator is asking if it should keep its rules against unauthorized carrier changes and charges. These rules, called "slamming" and "truth-in-billing," have been in place for decades to protect consumers from being switched to a new phone company or charged for services they didn't order.

For years, phone companies could not switch your service or add charges without your explicit permission. These rules made it harder for companies to trick customers into new plans or services. If the rules are removed or weakened, it will be easier for telecom companies to change customer accounts without clear consent, shifting the burden of vigilance to the consumer.