| answer text |
<p>Tackling nuisance telephone calls is a priority for the Department. A range of
options for reform are being pursued, which includes both legislative and non-legislative
measures that will protect consumers more effectively.</p><p> </p><p>Our Nuisance
Calls Action Plan of 30 March 2014, included proposals to enable the Office of Communications
(Ofcom) to share information more easily with the Information Commissioner’s Office
(ICO) about companies who may be breaching the regulations. We made this measure effective
on 15 July 2014 and it will help ICO to take enforcement action against companies
deliberately breaching the rules.</p><p> </p><p>We are also soon to consult to lower
the legal threshold, making it easier for ICO to take more enforcement action, including
issuing monetary penalties to companies who currently manage to avoid having action
taken against them. Work on improving the ability of communication service providers
to trace calls is underway and led by Ofcom, with our encouragement. Consent and lead
generation issues including how telephone numbers are captured and sold on, are also
being considered by the Taskforce led by Which? that will report to the Department
by the end of this year. Further details about the full range of measures outlined
in our Action Plan can be viewed at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/nuisance-calls-action-plan-unveiled%20"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/news/nuisance-calls-action-plan-unveiled</a></p><p>
</p><p>Steps taken to date include the Department having improved signposting and
information about whom to contact when needing to report nuisance calls, a simpler
complaints process, and greater use by regulators of their powers, including the ICO
and Ofcom having to date issued monetary penalties totalling more than £2.2 million
for nuisance telephone calls and SMS text messages. We will continue to work with
regulators, consumer group representatives and the industry to deliver improved protection
for the benefit of consumers.</p>
|
|
