United Kingdom: Issued ICO ruling in investigation into Divigo Media, MCP Online and Argentum Data Solutions regarding illegal direct marketing

On 2 November 2023, the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) issued a decision in the investigation into Divigo Media, MCP Online, and Argentum Data Solutions regarding illegal direct marketing under the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR). Divigo Media was fined GBP 50'000 for sending more than 415'000 text messages without valid consent. MCP Online was fined GBP 55'000 for making 20'939 unwanted direct marketing calls to people on the Telephone Preference Service (TPS). Under PECR, it is prohibited to make live marketing calls to people on the TPS unless they have given the organization express permission to do so. Argentum Data Solutions was fined GBP 65'000 for sending and allowing third parties to send over 2.3 million direct marketing text messages without valid consent. In addition, all of the above companies failed to give people the opportunity to opt out of future marketing communications, which is also a breach of the PECR.