ICO takes action against cold callers
The Information Commissioner’s Office has required two organisations to sign formal undertakings to stop making unsolicited marketing calls to individuals. This is a legal agreement that demands a firm commitment to the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations.
Satellite Direct UK Ltd and Satcover Ltd, both of Hove, East Sussex, were found in breach of the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations after making unsolicited marketing calls to individuals using an automated calling system. The organisations were also telephoning individuals for direct marketing purposes who had expressly told the companies they did not wish to be contacted or who have registered with the Telephone Preference Service.
Mick Gorrill, Head of Regulatory Action at the ICO, says: “It is unacceptable for organisations to make unsolicited marketing calls to individuals who have said that they do not wish to be contacted in this way. If these organisations fail to comply with the terms set out in the formal undertakings, we will not hesitate to take further action.”
If either organisation breaches the terms of the undertaking the ICO has powers to take the organisation to court immediately. If an organisation breaches a subsequent court order it may be held in contempt of court, an offence which can result in a jail sentence.
Copies of the signed undertakings are available on the ICO website
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