How Much Do Consumers Value Not Getting Telemarketing Calls?

In a paper titled "On the Value of Privacy from Telemarketing: Evidence from the 'Do Not Call' Registry," and available at http://ssrn.com/abstract=1000533, Ivan P.L. Png of the National University of Singapore, estimates the value of privacy at a surprisingly low $8.25 per year.  Here's the abstract:
   

Despite tremendous debate and policy interest, there has been relatively little research into the issue of how much individuals value their privacy. In this paper, I estimate the demand for the value of privacy from telemarketing as provided by the federal "do not call" registry. From the demand curve, I compute two estimates of the household value of privacy: a lower bound of $3.22 per year, and a best estimate of $8.25 per year.  The telemarketing industry must provide consumers with at least this much expected consumer surplus to persuade them not to conceal themselves through the "do not call" registry.

Comments

[Shaun Dakin]

RE: Political Robo Calls.

These calls are an epidemic and are invading the privacy of All American Voters.

Our members are taking a stand and saying enough is enough at the National Political Do Not Contact Registry at StopPoliticalCalls.org.

Here is a quote from a member this morning:

"I find it very frustrating... I tend to get calls at the WORST time. I have a one year old daughter, and it NEVER fails that the phone will ring when I put her down for a nap or for bed. Also my vote is PRIVATE... so who do you think you are calling with a survey to find out who I am voting for!!! Stop calling me."

Regards,

Shaun Dakin
CEO and Founder
http://www.stoppoliticalcalls.org