DMA backs call for more complaints

The DMA has thrown its weight behind the latest Which? initiative to try to stamp out those pesky rogue telemarketers, which threaten to the very existence of the UK industry.
The latest strategy, unveiled yesterday, already has the backing of the Information Commissioner’s Office and calls on consumers to make sure they complain to the regulators when they receive a so-called nuisance call.
It is one of a number of recommendations made by the Which?-led Government taskforce on telemarketing.
John Mitchison, the DMA’s head of preference services, legal and compliance, and member of the task force, said: “Successful marketers need to think about the consumer and what they want.
“Sixteen years ago, the DMA established the only ‘do not call’ opt out register – the TPS; the DMA’s new principles-based code of practice promotes corporate responsibility above and beyond legal compliance, which is enforced by an independent watchdog; and we have established an industry accreditation scheme, TPS Assured.
“If more consumers complain, this begins a virtuous circle, where rogue callers can be held to account and prosecuted by the ICO. This in turn will act as a deterrent for those considering rogue telemarketing,” he added.
In 2014, Ed Vaizey, Minister for Culture and the Digital Economy asked consumer group Which? to convene a taskforce to review consent and lead generation issues. The task force comprises political, industry, regulatory and trade body representatives.
The recommendations include prescriptions for dealing with technical issues, reforming business management practices, as well as suggestions for regulatory and legislative changes.

Related stories
ICO nuisance call challenge laid bare
Whitaker challenges DM to clean up
Charities using illegal marketing data
DMA acts over industry backlash
Charities ‘worse than scam mailers’
Reactiv woe as High Court ups fine
ICO hunts firms selling illegal data
Top brands ‘making nuisance calls’
Industry  fights pensions data outcry
Data firms fingered in pension claims
ICO raids Hove nuisance call hide-out
Graham: I’ll only spank the bad boys
DMA wants more rogue call action