Automatic number identification: privacy concerns and practical benefits

¶ … Automatic Number Identification

Pros:

The automatic number identification telephone service is good for many reasons. A person can look at the number that is trying to call them, and determined whether or not they want to take the call. This is helpful, for example, during dinner or other activities when people are trying to spend time with their families and telemarketers are calling. It is also extremely helpful in the event of taxi service, pizza delivery, and other businesses that perform deliveries. They can use the ANI system to determine whether or not the order that they have received is legitimate. Callers to 911 are also helped by the service because they are often too frightened to talk to the person on the other end of the line. By having an ANI device, 911 operators can get their phone number as well as their address instead of having to ask them for that information. It is also helpful for efficient service at local utility companies, stockbrokers, and other businesses.

Cons:

On the downside, there is a very real threat to privacy and personal safety for users of the system. For example, if someone dials a phone number that has an ANI device, the person on the other end of the line will have their phone number. This is true even if the person has an unlisted phone number and has paid extra for this unlisted service through their local phone company. Privacy and safety are also threatened in more serious ways.