As of 6th April, the law on nuisance calls and texts has changed.

For the old legislation to be applied, one would have to prove “substantial damage or substantial distress” from nuisance calls, which let’s face it, is very subjective.

Now, however, under the new legislation, the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) only have to prove that the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations have been breached. The ICO will now be able to fine companies up to £500,000, which is a pretty useful deterrent.

So whilst we welcome this legislation, to curtail the practices of unscrupulous marketing firms, we believe that the original legislation should have had this clear definition from the beginning, hence protecting the integrity of the data industry.

I guess we can’t complain too much, because it’s better late than never.