PECRsäännökset

PECRsäännökset, standing for Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations, are a set of rules in the United Kingdom that supplement the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). These regulations specifically address the privacy of electronic communications. The primary goal of PECR is to protect individuals' privacy when they receive marketing communications electronically, such as by email, text message, or automated calls.

Key provisions of PECR include requirements for obtaining consent before sending marketing messages to individuals. This consent must be freely given, specific, informed, and unambiguous. For instance, businesses cannot assume consent based on a pre-ticked box. PECR also covers the use of cookies and similar technologies on websites, requiring users to be informed about their use and to consent to non-essential cookies.

There are some specific exemptions and nuances within PECR. For example, marketing to corporate subscribers generally does not require consent in the same way as marketing to individuals, although there are still considerations around direct marketing. PECR also provides individuals with the right to object to unsolicited marketing. Enforcement of PECR is the responsibility of the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) in the UK, which can issue warnings, reprimands, and significant fines for non-compliance. Understanding and adhering to PECR is crucial for any organization that communicates electronically with individuals or uses cookies on its websites.