In case you are not aware, Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) has taken effect this year. It will be implemented in 2 phases. (i) Do Not Call Registry (DNC); and (ii) the rest of Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) will be effective from 2 January 2014 and 2 July 2014, respectively.
What is PDPA?
The PDPA establishes a data protection law that comprises various rules governing the collection, use, disclosure and care of personal data. It recognises both the rights of individuals to protect their personal data, including rights of access and correction, and the needs of organisations to collect, use or disclose personal data for legitimate and reasonable purposes.
As a result, the PDPA provides for the establishment of a national DNC Registry
What is DNC Registry?
Objective of the DNC Registry:
Allows individuals to register their Singapore telephone numbers to opt out of receiving marketing phone calls, mobile text messages such as SMS or MMS, and faxes from organisations.
Usage of the DNC Registry:
The DNC Registry list is to be used for verification before any telemarketing activities unless a clear and unambiguous consent in written is obtained from an individual regardless of how he/she is registered with DNC registry.
DNC Registry does NOT regulate against “servicing” call, text, and/or fax.
How does the PDPA work?
The PDPA ensures a standard baseline of protection for personal data by taking into account 9 Obligations which you must comply.
- Online @ DNC Registry website
Log on to www.dnc.gov.sg to register or deregister on any Register.
Note: Access to the device which you are registering the number of is required to complete the registration. - SMS
Send an SMS with the message “DNC” to the following:SHORTCODE ACTION 78772 Register on all 3 Registers 78773 Register on No Voice Call Register 78774 Register on No Text Message Register 78771 Menu for other options (including to deregister) Note: You can only register the number that you SMS from and SMS charges will apply.
- Phone
TOLL FREE NUMBER ACTION 1800 248 0772 Register on all 3 Registers 1800 248 0773 Register on No Voice Call Register 1800 248 0774 Register on No Text Message Register 1800 248 0771 Menu for other options (including to deregister) Note: You can only register the number that you call from. This number must not be subscribed to caller-ID blocking service.
Tip: If yours is not a fax number, please also add your number to the No Fax Message Register.
You should expect to stop receiving unsolicited telemarketing messages through your registered telephone number 30 days after registration (if you register on or after 2 July 2014) and up to 60 days after registration (if you register before 2 July 2014).
Your registration does not expire unless you terminate your telephone number or if you deregister your telephone number from the DNC Register(s). You may deregister at any time.
More information can be found on the following websites: www.pdpc.gov.sg ; www.dnc.gov.sg