PECR
PECR, or the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations, is a UK statutory instrument enacted in 2003 and amended since to reflect the evolving privacy framework. It implements aspects of the EU ePrivacy Directive and regulates privacy rights in relation to electronic communications, including telephone, email, text messages, cookies, and similar technologies. PECR operates alongside the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Scope and core provisions: PECR applies to organizations that provide publicly available electronic communications services or
Cookies and tracking: Non-essential cookies and other tracking technologies generally require user consent before being placed
Direct marketing: PECR restricts unsolicited marketing by electronic mail, text message, or automated calling methods. Communications
Enforcement and impact: The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) enforces PECR in the UK and can issue enforcement