March 30, 2005
Anti-phone spam fines on way in Korea
The Korean government is to fine advertisers who send text messages or call customers for promotions without receiving prior consent, reveals JoonAng Daily.
Until now, advertisers were allowed to contact customers unless the customers asked them not to.
Even if customers have agreed to receive promotional phone calls, advertisers must receive additional permission from them if they want to send text message ads between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m.
Those who receive spam telephone calls or text messages are urged to file a report on the Korea Spam Response Center's Web site (www.spamcop.or.kr), or call the department (02-1336).
"We will primarily focus on advertisements offering credit card loans or real estate deals, and 060 calls, which usually contain sexual content. Advertisements in these three areas make up about 90 percent of all mobile spam ads," said Information Ministry official Jang Seok-young. Violators will be fined up to 30 million won ($29,431).
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