National Police Urge Public to Use Opt-Out Registries to Stop Unwanted Marketing Calls

The National Police have issued new guidance to help citizens deal with the rise of unwanted marketing calls and messages, which continue to disrupt privacy and peace of mind. While legal tools exist to stop this harassment, many people are still not using them.

Under the Data Protection Act (Organic Law 3/2018), companies are legally required to check official "opt-out" registries before sending any marketing materials. If a company contacts someone who has registered their preference not to receive ads, they are violating the law. These registries are not just suggestions; they are binding.

To stop these unwanted communications, the police recommend signing up for free, voluntary advertising exclusion services. These systems allow you to withdraw your consent for companies to contact you via phone, post, email, or instant messaging. The process is straightforward: you fill out a form and verify your identity through a link sent to your email. Once registered, you can choose exactly which channels you want to block.

Anyone over the age of 14 can manage their own registration, while parents or legal guardians can protect the privacy of younger children.

Because companies are legally obligated to consult these lists, they remain the most effective way to block unsolicited advertising. The police are encouraging the public to use these tools to regain control over their personal communications, as the volume of unwanted marketing continues to grow.