Proposed laws let consumers ‘opt-out’ of direct marketing calls

John Maytham speaks with Wendy Knowler, consumer journalist.

Listen below.

The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, says the department is looking for ways to protect South Africans from ‘intrusive’ advertising.

The new regulations would establish an ‘opt-out registry’ administered by the National Consumer Commission (NCC).

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Marketers will be required to register with the opt-out registry annually.

They will be blocked from contacting any person who registers as a pre-emptive block on the database.

“Companies that do direct marketing seriously overestimate our need to hear from them.”

- Wendy Knowler, consumer journalist

Consumers can register their block by filling out a form.

The proposed regulations are out for public comment until 5 January.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.