Forum reply on TODAY Online, 15 June 2016

In the letter (“Loophole in data protection laws”, Jun 1), Mr James Chi highlighted that he had received unsolicited B2B marketing messages and the authorities should consider a blanket ban on sending marketing messages to any number in the DNC.

The Personal Data Protection Commission would like to clarify that the Do Not Call Provisions under the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) do not apply to marketing calls or messages to businesses. We note that Mr Chi’s handphone number is published online as a business contact. As such, business-to-business (B2B) marketing messages may be sent to his number even if his number has been registered with the DNC Registry. This is because B2B marketing calls or messages may be essential to businesses’ day-to-day operations. A blanket ruling to prohibit these messages might hinder legitimate business-to-business activity.

Evelyn Goh (Ms)
Director, Communications, Planning and Policy
Personal Data Protection Commission