Human-to-Human Calls (Live Calls)
Posted: Sat May 24, 2025 8:59 am
No Automated Calls without Consent: Even under legitimate interest, highly automated calls or prerecorded messages for marketing purposes typically still require specific consent under the ePrivacy Directive (see below).
"Soft Opt-in" for Existing Customers (PECR/ePrivacy): For email/SMS (and sometimes considered for calls if clearly disclosed), if you've obtained contact details during an actual sale of a product/service, you can market similar products/services to them, provided they were given a clear opportunity to opt-out at the point of collection and in every subsequent communication. This is less common australia phone number list for cold telemarketing but applies to follow-up marketing.
2. ePrivacy Directive (PECR in the UK) - Specific Rules for Electronic Communications
The ePrivacy Directive sits alongside GDPR and provides specific rules for electronic communications. In the UK, these rules are implemented through the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).
B2C: Generally requires prior consent unless a specific exemption (like an existing customer relationship for similar products, which still has limitations for calls) applies.
B2B: Can generally be made under legitimate interest without prior consent, provided the number is not registered on a "Do Not Call" list (like the Corporate Telephone Preference Service - CTPS in the UK), and the caller identifies themselves and offers an opt-out.
Do Not Call (DNC) Lists: You must screen against relevant national "Do Not Call" lists (e.g., the UK's Telephone Preference Service (TPS) for individuals and Corporate TPS for businesses) before making calls. If a number is on the DNC list, you cannot call it for marketing purposes unless you have explicit consent.
Internal DNC List: You must also maintain your own internal "Do Not Call" list for individuals who have specifically asked your organization not to call them.
"Soft Opt-in" for Existing Customers (PECR/ePrivacy): For email/SMS (and sometimes considered for calls if clearly disclosed), if you've obtained contact details during an actual sale of a product/service, you can market similar products/services to them, provided they were given a clear opportunity to opt-out at the point of collection and in every subsequent communication. This is less common australia phone number list for cold telemarketing but applies to follow-up marketing.
2. ePrivacy Directive (PECR in the UK) - Specific Rules for Electronic Communications
The ePrivacy Directive sits alongside GDPR and provides specific rules for electronic communications. In the UK, these rules are implemented through the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).
B2C: Generally requires prior consent unless a specific exemption (like an existing customer relationship for similar products, which still has limitations for calls) applies.
B2B: Can generally be made under legitimate interest without prior consent, provided the number is not registered on a "Do Not Call" list (like the Corporate Telephone Preference Service - CTPS in the UK), and the caller identifies themselves and offers an opt-out.
Do Not Call (DNC) Lists: You must screen against relevant national "Do Not Call" lists (e.g., the UK's Telephone Preference Service (TPS) for individuals and Corporate TPS for businesses) before making calls. If a number is on the DNC list, you cannot call it for marketing purposes unless you have explicit consent.
Internal DNC List: You must also maintain your own internal "Do Not Call" list for individuals who have specifically asked your organization not to call them.