What is the Do Not Call (DNC) Registry?
The Do Not Call (DNC) Registry is a database where individuals can register their Singapore phone numbers to opt out of receiving unsolicited marketing messages or calls. The aim of the DNC Registry is allow individuals to have more control over the kind of messages they receive on telephone, mobile phone or fax.
Marketing messages generally refer to messages used for advertising or promoting goods and services, and this includes promotion of interests in land or business/investment opportunities.
Do note that the DNC Registry does not cover:
- Marketing messages or calls from organisations with whom you have an ongoing relationship or if the messages are about products or services that are relevant to you. However, companies should give you the option of opting out of receiving such telemarketing messages. Companies must stop sending such messages to your Singapore telephone within 21 calendar days of your opting out.
- Messages that are part of a market survey or research;
- Messages related to charitable or religious causes;
- Personal messages sent by individuals;
- Public messages sent by government agencies;
- Political messages; or
- Telemarketing calls or messages sent to a business (i.e. B2B).
It is important to note that the DNC Registry provisions also apply to the sending of telemarketing messages through smartphone applications such as WhatsApp.
If an individual uses a number for both personal and business use, he/she may still legally receive B2B marketing calls or messages that are sent to his/her number as a business phone number.
When Do You Need to Check the Do Not Call Registry?
There are three separate DNC Registers for Singapore telephone numbers – voice calls, text messages and fax.
Under the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), organisations are required to screen call lists with the relevant registers prior to sending out marketing messages to Singapore telephone numbers.
Unless your organisation has obtained clear and unambiguous consent to receiving telemarketing messages in written or accessible form from the subscriber of that telephone number, you are required to check all telephone numbers before sending out telemarketing messages.
