Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact on consumers of the practice of some companies subscribing individuals to an e-mailing list without their consent and making it impossible for them to unsubscribe; and what steps they will take to prevent this practice.

The Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003 (PECR) regulates the sending of electronic marketing messages (by phone, fax, email or text), as well as the provision of electronic communication services to the public. The Information Commissioner's Office independently regulate PECR and have been clear that organisations must not send marketing emails to individuals without explicit consent. Where these rules are not adhered to, the Commissioner is able to issue enforcement notices, as well as fines of up to £500,000. The Data Protection Bill currently going through the Houses of Parliament also includes tougher rules on consent and strengthens the rights of data subjects, giving them more control over their data.