Consumer Groups Support Keep Me Posted Campaign to Ensure Free Access to Paper Statements and Bills

CHICAGO - February 27, 2019 - Keep Me Posted (KMP) is a global advocacy campaign working for the right of every consumer to choose, free of charge, how they receive important information from their service providers – on paper or electronically. Overseen by Two Sides North America, the KMP North America campaign will focus on educating and challenging corporations that are removing consumer choice and charging fees for paper.

KMP has continued to grow its partnerships with consumer groups in both the United States and Canada. Partners include a diverse set of advocacy groups including the Coalition for Paper Options, Consumer Action, Haven Neighborhood Services, Montana Organizing Project, National Consumers League, Public Interest Advocacy Centre, and The National Grange. The coalition will work to protect the consumer’s right to choose between paper and digital communications.

Millions of North American consumers are currently disenfranchised by increased digitization and need to receive bills and statements on paper due to reasons such as lack of internet access, digital abilities, and growing security concerns with online fraud. Others prefer paper for convenience and practical reasons.

“Consumer Action is concerned that more and more consumers are being asked to jump through hoops to get paper copies of bills, account statements and notices,” said Linda Sherry, the national non-profit consumer education and advocacy organization’s Director of National Priorities. “In a recent survey we conducted, up to three-quarters of those surveyed opted for bills to arrive by mail. Their reasons for preferring paper were rich and varied: from untrustworthy broadband signals to the ease of filing and finding important paperwork. Consumer Action joined Keep Me Posted because we support the right of consumers to choose how they want important documents delivered and we strongly believe that paper should be the default until consumers expressly opt-in for electronic delivery.”

Sally Greenberg, Executive Director of the National Consumers League, adds: “Consumers should have the right to choose whether they want important documents in paper or electronic form, and they shouldn’t be penalized for wanting a paper copy. In fact, the National Consumers League advises consumers to keep paper copies of important government and other documents for themselves and their family members for legal reasons.”

John Lawford, Executive Director and General Counsel of the Public Interest Advocacy Centre says, “Too often consumers are forced to pay for bills and statements in paper formats. Why?  We demand convenient, ethical, practical format choices with essential services like internet, wireless phone and television.”

Watch the video explaining the KMP campaign.

MORE ABOUT OUR COALITION PARTNERS:

The Coalition for Paper Options focuses on preserving paper-based options for Americans who need it to access information and services. Companies and organizations can go digital without discriminating against Americans who may not, or cannot, use technology. http://paperoptions.org/

Consumer Action is a non-profit consumer education and advocacy center, serving consumers in the United States. Founded in 1971,  Consumer Action helps individual consumers assert their rights in the marketplace and to advance pro-consumer industry-wide change for the benefit of all. http://www.consumer-action.org/

Haven Neighborhood Services is a non-profit counseling agency, providing fundamental financial guidance and literacy to Los Angeles residents. http://havenservices.org/

Montana Organizing Project partners with faith organizations, labor unions, and non-profit organizations to collectively create economic, racial and social justice for the citizens of Montana. https://www.montanaorganizingproject.com/

The National Consumers League is a private, non-profit advocacy group representing consumers on marketplace and workplace issues. As the nation’s oldest consumer organization, the mission of the National Consumers League is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. https://www.nclnet.org

Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) is a federally incorporated non-profit and registered charity that advocates for the fair and balanced interpretation and application of Canadian law to protect and preserve the public interest. https://www.piac.ca/

The National Grange is a family community organization established in 1867. The group provides opportunities for individuals and families to develop to their highest potential to build stronger communities and states, as well as a stronger nation. The Grange accomplishes this mission through Fellowship, Service, and Legislation. https://www.nationalgrange.org/

Source: Two Sides North America

The preceding press release was provided by a company unaffiliated with Printing Impressions. The views expressed within do not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of Printing Impressions.