Stop Advertising List: what is it?

Stop Advertising List: what is it?

The Stop Advertising List is a legal mechanism for advertising exclusion through which citizens can exercise their right not to receive unwanted commercial communications.

Regulated by Organic Law 3/2018, of December 5, on the Protection of Personal Data and the Guarantee of Digital Rights, this list allows users to voluntarily and free of charge enroll in order to prevent the sending of advertisements through various channels, such as phone calls, emails, text messages, and postal mail. 

Companies, in compliance with current regulations, are required to consult and respect this list before carrying out any direct marketing actions, under the risk of incurring administrative sanctions. This system not only protects the privacy of consumers but also imposes a framework of responsibility on entities that develop advertising strategies, ensuring a balance between citizens’ rights and business practices.

In any case, the Stop Advertising List complements the Robinson List by extending protection against unwanted advertising. While the Robinson List blocks traditional campaigns, the Stop Advertising List protects against digital advertising and allows the revocation of consent on online platforms.

Objectives of the Stop Advertising List

• Protect the user’s privacy from intrusive advertising.
• Regulate direct marketing, requiring companies to consult the list before sending advertisements.
• Reduce the impact of unwanted advertising, promoting a safer digital environment.
• Provide users with control over which commercial communications they wish to receive.

How to enroll and how it works

The enrollment process in the Stop Advertising List begins with a free registration, which can be done quickly and easily through the official website.

Once enrolled, the user can select the means of exclusion they wish to apply, such as emails, phone calls, or communications through social media. It is crucial for the user to confirm their enrollment and activate their participation, which must be done within a maximum period of 30 days from the moment of registration.

Additionally, the system allows the modification of preferences or cancellation at any time, offering flexibility for users to manage their inclusion in the exclusion list according to their needs.

Consumer rights and protection

Consumer protection is one of the fundamental aspects of the Stop Advertising List. This tool seeks to ensure that consumers exercise their right to privacy by preventing companies from sending unsolicited advertisements through various channels, thus acting as a protective mechanism against information overload, which can sometimes become an abuse by companies.

This protection extends to those who have already enrolled in the platform, as companies are required to consult the list before sending any advertising messages. Failing to do so would result in facing sanctions imposed by the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD).

Moreover, it collaborates with the Robinson List, offering more comprehensive protection against intrusive advertising, broadening its scope and providing an additional tool against invasive marketing attempts.

To conclude, it is important to note that the Stop Advertising List not only protects users’ privacy but also promotes a balance between consumer rights and the needs of businesses. Through this system, it ensures that advertising is carried out ethically and respectfully, contributing to consumer welfare and fostering responsible business practices.

At Letslaw we are experts in personal data protection and can provide guidance on anything you may need.