Final answer:
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) of 1991 imposed restrictions on telemarketing calls, automated telephone equipment, and specified identification requirements for telemarketers to protect consumer privacy and reduce nuisances.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) of 1991 was enacted to address a growing number of telephone marketing calls, which were considered a nuisance by many consumers. The act placed restrictions on telemarketing calls and the use of automated telephone equipment. Specifically, the TCPA restricts the use of automatic dialing systems, artificial or prerecorded voice messages, SMS text messages, and fax machines. It also specifies requirements for entities making such calls to identify themselves and provide a contact phone number.
The enactment of the TCPA was a response to the deregulation trends of the 1990s and the increasing number of unsolicited marketing calls being made to consumers. While the act was designed to protect consumer privacy and limit disruptions, it also exemplifies the continuous balance between economic interests and individual rights in the realm of communication.