Forum reply on The Straits Times, 23 Jan 2014

THE Personal Data Protection Commission agrees that the Do-Not-Call Registry works together with existing laws such as the Spam Control Act in providing consumers with options to choose whether to receive marketing messages or calls, by setting out rules on sending telemarketing messages ("Expand law to block spam mail in letter boxes" by Mr Francis Cheng; Forum Online, Jan 13).

That said, while unsolicited commercial e-mail and SMS messages sent in bulk are required to include an unsubscribe option for individuals under the Spam Control Act, the opt-out facility that organisations are required to provide under the recent exemption applies to only SMS and fax messages related to an individual's ongoing relationship with an organisation.

Unless where the exemption applies or where there is clear consent, organisations are not allowed to send unsolicited telemarketing messages to individuals whose phone numbers are registered with the Registry.

We welcome Mr Cheng's suggestion on setting up a Do-Not-Post Registry for advertising mail.

However, advertising mail is not included in the Do-Not-Call Registry as there are existing ways for individuals to reduce the volume of such mail, such as through the use of letter boxes with anti-junk mail features.

A balance will need to be struck between protecting personal data as well as protecting consumers against spam mail and messages, and allowing legitimate use of personal data for business and marketing activities through less intrusive mediums.

Amos Tan (Mr)
Director, Communications & Operations
Personal Data Protection Commission