54% of South Africans live below the poverty line, surviving on R779 or less a month many can barely afford enough food. So to be charged to opt out of unwanted SMS communication puts further pressure on those under financial strain. “When individuals reply STOP to unsubscribe, they’re having to pay for that SMS to unsubscribe from communication, they maybe didn’t even request,” advises SMSPortal MD, Charles Stretch. In section 11 of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) (No. 68 of 2008), it … [Read more...] about Consumers wrongfully footing opt-out bill
opt out
Consumers should not pay to OPT OUT
SMSPortal, South Africa’s R300million bulk SMS provider highlights an innovative service which will ensure clients operate mobile marketing campaigns within the law, allowing consumers to OPT OUT for free, and abiding by the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) (No. 68 of 2008). SMSPortal offers reverse billed SMS to its new and existing clients. In short, this allows consumers to send an SMS reply or to opt-out of direct marketing free of charge. The mobile networks will reverse bill SMSPortal … [Read more...] about Consumers should not pay to OPT OUT
Privacy shouldn’t come at a price
Privacy shouldn’t come at a price, and as consumers we are entitled to restrict unwanted direct marketing and have the right to privacy. But, South Africa’s Wireless Application Service Provider’s Association (WASPA) code of conduct allows its members to charge consumers to opt-out of direct SMS marketing. But, the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) dictates that no fee may be charged for any opt-out. So where does this leave consumers? According to the CPA consumers must be able to … [Read more...] about Privacy shouldn’t come at a price
