Germany: Better protection against telephone advertising
In Germany, consumers are to be better protected against unwanted sales calls and contracts concluded over the phone. The government passed a bill to that effect on Wednesday.
In Germany, consumers are to be better protected against unwanted advertising calls and contracts concluded on the telephone. The government passed a corresponding bill on Wednesday, as reported by SDA. According to the bill, advertising calls will only be permitted if the person called has given their express prior consent. Violations can be punished with a fine of up to 50,000 euros and telephone applicants will no longer be allowed to suppress their telephone number, otherwise they could face a fine of 10,000 euros. Cancellation rights for contracts concluded on the Internet have also been improved. In future, there will also be a right of withdrawal for contracts concluded by telephone for the delivery of newspapers, magazines and periodicals as well as for betting and lottery services.
The government also wants to ensure greater price transparency for 0180 numbers in mobile communications. Many companies and public authorities use this type of chargeable number for customer contacts. Until now, fixed prices have only applied to calls from fixed networks. The prices for calls from mobile networks, on the other hand, are often high and difficult for consumers to recognize. In future, prices for calls from cell phones will also have to be indicated.
It is uncertain whether the law will be implemented in this version. The measures do not go far enough for the German federal states. The Bundestag and Bundesrat are expected to discuss the amendment in the fall.
The government also wants to ensure greater price transparency for 0180 numbers in mobile communications. Many companies and public authorities use this type of chargeable number for customer contacts. Until now, fixed prices have only applied to calls from fixed networks. The prices for calls from mobile networks, on the other hand, are often high and difficult for consumers to recognize. In future, prices for calls from cell phones will also have to be indicated.
It is uncertain whether the law will be implemented in this version. The measures do not go far enough for the German federal states. The Bundestag and Bundesrat are expected to discuss the amendment in the fall.
