New
rules that aim to tackle unwanted ‘spam’ e-mails and prevent companies sending
unsolicited faxes or text messages have come into force today.
The
laws, which apply the EU Directive on Privacy and Electronic Communication,
will stop firms sending unwanted communications and give individuals more say
over how their personal details are used.
All
direct marketing e-mails must now include the sender’s contact details, while
firms using tracking devices (such as internet cookies) on their websites must
inform users so they have an opportunity to reject them.
Information
subscribers will have more legal rights about being listed in directories, and
directory providers will have to give users full information and the option of
being ‘ex-directory’.
