The collection and distribution of unsolicited contact details presents a significant area of concern, impacting privacy and potentially leading to various forms of harassment or unwanted solicitation. As an example, lists containing telephone numbers compiled without consent and subsequently shared or sold online exemplify this practice.
The absence of verifiable consent in obtaining and using such data raises ethical and legal questions. Historically, the gathering and use of such information were often less regulated, leading to widespread dissemination. However, contemporary data protection laws and heightened awareness of privacy rights have made these practices increasingly scrutinized and, in many jurisdictions, unlawful. The proliferation of these numbers can facilitate scams, robocalls, and other forms of disruptive or malicious communication.
