Under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s direction, work on a strategy to prevent unsolicited commercial SMS has begun.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has implemented a mechanism that bans subscribers from receiving marketing SMSes without their permission. From July 1, mobile phone providers and telemarketing firms will begin adopting the new system.
To assist mobile users avoid marketing SMSes, the new approach requires the creation of two types of lists. Users who want SMS marketing will be put on one list, while those who don’t want promotional SMSes would be put on another.
On July 1, the PTA declared that mobile phone companies and telemarketers will use an opt-in and opt-out mechanism. Customers will be able to opt out of SMS marketing by clicking on an opt-out link at the bottom of each marketing message. Only clients who have opted in to receive marketing SMSes will receive them.
It went on to say that a list of telemarketer’s letters and phone numbers would be compiled. The list must be submitted to the PTA by June 21st by all mobile phone operators.
On the 4th of June, Salman Sufi, the PM’s Advisor on Strategic Reforms, contacted the Chairman of the PTA to discuss the protection of mobile phone users’ data and marketing messages.
Sufi notified the Chairman of the Premier’s directive to evaluate the privacy rules affecting citizens and the marketers’ unpleasant and unwelcome communications.
Officials with the PTA claim that, in compliance with the PM’s directives, work on a policy to restrict promotional SMSes has begun.
To read our blog on “MICO World, HK based social media company registered with PTA,” click here.
