Pesky telemarketers could face a R10-million fine or even time in prison for contacting you without your permission.
The Protection of Personal Information Act‚ intended to shield consumers from unlawful direct marketing‚ will prohibit the use of personal information without prior consent.
With the establishment of regulators and the provisions of the act coming into full effect‚ direct-marketing companies will be monitored and penalised if found to be contravening the law.
Telemarketing expert and CEO of the Marketing Association of SA, Lovemore Mushayanyama, said companies that relied on telemarketing would be stifled by the new law and would incur costs in order to comply with it.
"Consumers, on the other hand, are going to benefit from this as their privacy will be protected."
