Skating Past Liability Under the TCPA: Robocalls and Unsolicited Texts and E-mails

This Note argues that the applicability of Telephone Consumer Protection Act\u27s (TCPA) autodialer provision should be interpreted broadly to include calls made on many types of dialing equipment. Part I of this Note offers a brief history of the TCPA and autodialers. Part II examines the FCC’s Orders that interpret the TCPA’s autodialer provision, and Part III assesses the varying interpretations of the provision by the circuit courts. Part IV reviews the general facts and procedural history of Duguid, and the Court’s interpretation of the autodialers provision. Last, Part V examines current efforts offered by Congress and potential next steps for consumers. This Note concludes by arguing that Congress must use its power to amend the provision to increase clarity and reflect the significant advancements in technology—advancements that legislators in 1991 could not have surmised