The UAE government has introduced new telemarketing regulations that will be effective from August 27. These new laws aim to restrict telemarketers in the country and prevent them from using persuasive tactics to sell products or services. Cold callers and telemarketing firms that violate these laws will be subject to financial penalties ranging from Dh5,000 to Dh150,000, with penalties increasing for repeat violations. Companies that fail to comply with the regulations regarding telemarketing activities, training of marketers, and maintaining call registers will also face fines.
One of the key aspects of the new regulations is the restriction on the timing of telemarketing calls, which can only be made between 9 am and 6 pm. Additionally, telemarketers are not allowed to call residents again on the same day if they reject the service or product in the first call. Companies are also required to notify consumers if the call is being recorded and provide periodic reports to the authority regarding marketing phone calls made. Failure to comply with these rules will result in financial penalties ranging from Dh10,000 to Dh30,000.
The regulations also address issues related to consumer privacy and data protection. Companies that disclose personal data of consumers without consent or trade such data for marketing purposes will face fines ranging from Dh50,000 to Dh150,000 for repeat violations. Individuals making marketing phone calls through unlicensed phone numbers will also be penalized, with fines ranging from Dh5,000 to Dh50,000 for violations, along with the possibility of having their phone numbers cut off.
Telemarketers who engage in fraudulent practices, pressure consumers, or make repeated calls after refusal will face fines ranging from Dh25,000 to Dh75,000. The regulations also include penalties for calling back customers multiple times a day or week, with fines of up to Dh50,000 for repeat offences. The government has implemented these regulations to address consumer complaints about telemarketing and ensure that residents are not bombarded with unwanted calls.
In case of repeated violations of the regulations, the penalties increase substantially, and companies may face additional restrictions or bans on their telecommunications services. The government is keen on enforcing these regulations to protect consumer rights and privacy, as well as to maintain the integrity of the telemarketing industry in the UAE. Compliance with the new regulations is essential for companies and individuals involved in telemarketing activities to avoid facing significant financial penalties and other consequences.
