Security News > 2020 > September > UK ICO fines biz profiteering from COVID-19 crisis by sending unsolicited marketing texts to Joe Public

Texts were received by unsuspecting members of the public between 29 February and 30 April, said the UK Information Commissioner's Office.

The texts promoted Zoono-branded hand cleaning products that purported to be "Effective against coronavirus," said the ICO. Reg readers will remember that silly members of the public bulk-bought certain products, including toilet paper and hand sanitisers as the spread of the potentially deadly virus made its way across Europe.

Curry said the ICO will "Prioritise action on organisations carrying out similar activity." Direct marketing laws, he added, are clear and businesses must ensure they comply as: "Ignorance of it or attempting to rely on vague and misleading evidence in support of a marketing campaign simply does not wash."

More tough talking from the ICO man followed: "The sending of nuisance marketing texts are a significant concern to the public, and the ICO will continue to take action where our advice is not followed and where we find serious, systemic or negligent behaviour that puts people's information rights at risk."

Complaints about the texts were forwarded to the GSMA's Spam Reporting Services, incorporated into the ICO's Monthly Threat Assessment.

News URL

https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2020/09/24/ico_fines_biz_sanitiser/