World Consumer Rights Day is on Friday, March 15th and Keep Me Posted North America is working with several consumer groups to ensure that consumers retain their right to paper-based communications, especially when it comes to important documents or financial information.

World Consumer Rights Day was started based on the four basic consumer rights outlined by John F. Kennedy in 1962:

The right to be informed
The right to safety
The right to be heard
The right to choose

Since then, the International Organization of Consumer Unions has added four more rights:

The right to redress
The right to the satisfaction of basic needs
The right to consumer education
The right to a healthy environment

Millions of North American consumers are currently disenfranchised by increased digitization due to corporate service providers (i.e. telecoms, banks, insurance, utilities) who are automatically switching their customers, without permission, to online services by eliminating paper bills and statements. This initiative ignores the fact that many consumers 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. Get the facts about access and consumer choice to paper-based communications.

Keep Me Posted is a pro-consumer campaign designed to provide educational and awareness programs, so consumers are empowered to choose the best delivery method for their social and economic needs. Join our growing coalition of partners:

Coalition for Paper Options
Consumer Action
Haven Neighborhood Services
Montana Organizing Project
National Consumers League
Public Interest Advocacy Centre
The National Grange

Learn how you can support Keep Me Posted, or for more go to www.keepmepostedna.org, and join KMP on Facebook and Twitter (@KeepMePostedNA).