Consultation response: Strengthening consumer protection in telemarketing (SOU 2015:61)

The referral was received from the Ministry of Finance. IT&Telecom companies have responded to the referral.

"IT&Telecom companies believe it is important that consumers feel safe and have adequate consumer protection when selling over the phone. The problem of rogue traders tricking consumers and small businesses into contracts they do not want to enter into is serious and the behavior of these traders affects all legitimate businesses that use the telephone to sell services and provide customer service."

Read the full response to the consultation

Mission of the inquiry

The overall mission of the inquiry is to consider whether consumer protection in the context of telemarketing needs to be strengthened and to propose measures if necessary.

One measure to be considered is whether a written confirmation requirement should be introduced for telemarketing to consumers. Another measure is whether a requirement for prior approval should be introduced for marketing by telephone to take place, so-called opt-in. The assignment also includes analyzing how the NIX-Telephone blocking register works and evaluating whether it works satisfactorily. The inquiry will also assess whether small businesses need special protection.