Since yesterday in Spain, the updated Article 66 of the General Telecommunications Law came into effect. It recognizes the right “to not receive unwanted calls for commercial communication purposes, unless the user has given prior consent to receive such commercial communications.” The law promises heavy penalties for companies that fail to comply with this condition, El País reports.
In Spain, many people have already registered on the so-called “Robinson List.” The name was inspired by the main character of Daniel Defoe's novel “Robinson Crusoe,” who was isolated from civilization after a shipwreck on an uninhabited island. Symbolically, those who enroll in the list of exclusions from advertising reject everything that comes from the outside. Being included in the Robinson List is a free and rather comfortable way to get rid of annoying advertisers.
Does this mean that we will no longer be irritated by intrusive and untimely advertising calls? According to experts, not really. Some part of the calls will stop. But the regulations include several exceptions and offer legal loopholes that will allow companies to continue practicing the aggressive marketing.
Firstly, companies to which the user has given explicit consent are authorized to make calls. And although few consumers have the impression of never having given such consent, the fact is that this permission is stated in almost all contracts we sign. In other words, telecommunications companies, banks, insurers, and utilities will be able to continue calling their customers to offer alleged service improvements.
Exceptions also include calls necessary to protect vital interests or when they affect the public interest, among others. You may receive a call in which the telemarketer requests to verify your personal data, claiming it is a security communication to prevent fraud and, at the same time, sell you a product.
In Spain, many people have already registered on the so-called “Robinson List.” The name was inspired by the main character of Daniel Defoe's novel “Robinson Crusoe,” who was isolated from civilization after a shipwreck on an uninhabited island. Symbolically, those who enroll in the list of exclusions from advertising reject everything that comes from the outside. Being included in the Robinson List is a free and rather comfortable way to get rid of annoying advertisers.
Does this mean that we will no longer be irritated by intrusive and untimely advertising calls? According to experts, not really. Some part of the calls will stop. But the regulations include several exceptions and offer legal loopholes that will allow companies to continue practicing the aggressive marketing.
Firstly, companies to which the user has given explicit consent are authorized to make calls. And although few consumers have the impression of never having given such consent, the fact is that this permission is stated in almost all contracts we sign. In other words, telecommunications companies, banks, insurers, and utilities will be able to continue calling their customers to offer alleged service improvements.
Exceptions also include calls necessary to protect vital interests or when they affect the public interest, among others. You may receive a call in which the telemarketer requests to verify your personal data, claiming it is a security communication to prevent fraud and, at the same time, sell you a product.