Mmastodon WorldElections first seen 8 h ago, last 4 h ago, peak #9

Congress web forms demand full contact details from constituents

Original: When I write my congressmen, they require that you use their web form, and give them all your contact information includ

A complaint is circulating that members of the US Congress only accept messages from constituents through web forms that require name, address, email and phone number, along with opting in to newsletter emails. Critics say the requirement deters people from contacting their representatives and amounts to harvesting personal data under the guise of verifying residency. Others note it is a common anti-spam practice.

Why now: People are debating whether congressional contact forms protect against spam or unnecessarily collect personal data from citizens.

US Congressmembers of Congress

Open on mastodon →

Evidence

• When I write my congressmen, they require that you use their web form, and give them all your contact information including name, address, email, and phone. They claim they need this to ensure that you are a constituent. They ask if you want to sign up to receive their… · dtm@mastodon.cc · 4

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