The DMA confirms that the Corporate Telephone Preference Service (TPS) will come into effect as of 25th June 2004. The Regulations, (which amend Regulation 26 of the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003) were laid before Parliament today. UK businesses will be able to register their company's details on the Corporate TPS file to opt out of receiving unsolicited direct marketing calls.
The new Regulations follow the DTI's consultation in the summer of 2003 and reflect concerns by small businesses that they are unable to manage such direct marketing calls.
Further information about the scheme and other provisions of the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003 are available on the DTI's website at: http://www.dti.gov.uk/industries/ecommunications/directive_on_privacy_electronic_communications_200258ec.html#.
For further information please contact:
Liz Bastone
DMA PR Manager
Tel: 020 7291 3315
Email: liz@dma.org.uk
Editor's Notes
About the Electronic Communications Regulations
The final version of the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003 (the Regulations) came into force on 11 December 2003. The Regulations implement the Privacy and Electronic Communications Directive, which was adopted by the European Union in July 2002
About the Telephone Preference Service (TPS)
Under the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003, it is unlawful for a company to make a sales and marketing telephone call to an individual who has indicated they do not want to receive such calls. A consumer can do this by either advising the companies directly not to phone, or registering with the TPS, a centralised service that will stop all such calls. This does not include market research calls - a request to stop calling will need to be made directly to them.
Administered by the Direct Marketing Association (UK) Ltd, the TPS consumer file is sent to companies registered with the TPS. Subscriptions are based on the volume of the file required and the frequency requested. There are currently just over three and a half million consumers registered with the TPS. Recent research from NOP showed that 96% of those registered were satisfied with the service. Further information on the TPS and registration details can be found at www.tpsonline.org.uk Consumers can also call 0845 070 0707 to register (local call rate
About the Direct Marketing Association (UK) Ltd (DMA)
The DMA UK is the largest trade association in the marketing communications sector, with almost 900 corporate members. The DMA's mission is to maximise value for members, whilst maintaining and enhancing consumer trust and confidence in the direct marketing industry.
To assist, the DMA administers a portfolio of Preference Services that allow consumers to register their contact details, free of charge, should they choose to reduce the amount of direct marketing approaches they receive via mail, telephone, fax and email.
DMA members benefit from added protection, intelligence and growth, which together we call the Power of Association. Within these three areas, DMA member services include government lobbying, free legal advice, training & development, representation on DMA Councils, networking opportunities, regular updates of current dm issues/legislation, research, use of the DMA logo, promotion of member companies and discounts on a range of dm products/services.
Over £11.85 billion was spent on direct marketing activity in 2002, resulting in over £60 billion worth of sales. This makes direct marketing one of the top ten industries in the UK. For further information please visit www.dma.org.uk. For details on the benefits of becoming a DMA member please call 020 7291 3388 to speak to the membership team, email membership@dma.org.uk, or visit www.dmamembership.org.uk
