Direct marketing includes text messages (SMS) and emails that a customer receives from a product or service provider. But activities of direct marketing may include multiple steps:
As a general rule for direct marketing, the company needs a consent from a customer. However, there are several exceptions when it’s allowed to send the emails to the customers without asking for a consent.
T he processing of personal data for direct marketing purposes may be regarded as carried out for a legitimate interest. But it’s not so easy. Direct electronic marketing is currently regulated under the ePrivacy Directive, which generally requires opt-in consent before engaging in such activity. This means, that in most cases, even if you are relying on legitimate interests, the ePrivacy Directive would still require consent. However, there is an exception—marketing emails may be sent on an opt-out basis if the recipient’s details were collected “in the context of the sale of a product or a service,”(Directive 2002/58/EC, Article 13(2).). Please bear in mind that this exception has been implemented differently by the EU member states and some differences may apply, especially in case of B2B communication..
In case of B2B communication, company representative can be contacted for direct marketing purposes for business related products or services through electronic mail without their prior consent but only in the context of the position they hold. Therefore, there are additional exceptions for B2B direct marketing rules .
Article 21 of the GDPR states that “where personal data are processed for direct marketing purposes, the data subject shall have the right to object at any time to processing of personal data concerning him or her for such marketing” and that “where the data subject objects to processing for direct marketing purposes, the personal data shall no longer be processed for such purposes.” even if opt-in consent is not required before sending marketing emails, the GDPR requires that the recipient always be provided with an opportunity to opt-out of receiving such emails.
Following table will provide you a bit more structured view on possible legal bases for direct marketing activities under GDPR and ePrivacy Directive.
Consent or clear declaration of will, for example, entering an email on the company’s website in the newsletter field or click at tickbox. Must be able to get out of direct marketing.
Opt-in and Opt-out
Legitimate interest to send notices- you can rely on legitimate interests for marketing activities. However, in case you have to show that you use people’s data proportionately. Meaning, it has a minimal privacy impact, and people would not be likely to object.
Consent, e.g. acceptance of personal data processing. The right to object at any time to the processing of personal data. The information shall be provided clearly and separately from any other information.
Opt-in and Opt-out
The previous sale of a product or service. During the initial collection of data, and whenever the data is used, the customer has a clear and understandable way to prohibit the use of such contact information in a free and easy way.
