The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA), as part of its mandate to protect consumers from misleading and unfair practices by telecommunications service providers, issued today an Advertising Code to monitor advertisements and promotions of related products and services in Qatar. The Code will further enhance the transparency of the ICT sector, and make it more effective for the consumers to make informed decisions while subscribing to telecom services in Qatar.
“We, as the independent communications regulator in Qatar, understand that growth in the telecommunications market would lead to an increased amount of marketing effort to promote products and services,” said Saleh Al-Kuwari, Chairman of the CRA Sub-Committee, adding, “As observed from the type of complaints received from consumers this increase in marketing activities has led to confusion in a press release issued today. The Advertising Code strives to address these concerns.” The Advertising Code clarifies the obligations of telecommunications service providers towards increased consumer protection. The Code also specifies how the CRA will ensure compliance. The Code requires that advertisements and information provided to consumers should be fair, truthful and accurate, and should not be misleading. This obligation is underpinned by more detailed provisions for advertisements comparing competing products, special offers, broadcast advertisements, etc.
One of the key requirements in the Code is that direct marketing such as via telephone calls, text messages, and emails, must be non-intrusive. Therefore advertisers who are subject to this Code must limit the number of contacts on a daily basis. Additionally, any such contact should take place at an appropriate time so as not to disturb consumers. Finally, advertisers must give consumers the option to opt out of receiving any further advertisements of this kind without any cost to them.
“We are continually working to enhance telecom consumer protection measures. The Advertising Code, together with the recent Consumer Protection Policy, forms an integral part of the CRA’s efforts to safeguard the interests of consumers in Qatar,” said Amel Al-Hanawi, Head of Consumer & Government Affairs Department, CRA. “The Code includes specific steps to protect consumers and vulnerable persons, such as children, and disabled individuals, in relation to, say, premium services that involve subscription that have higher than standard charge,” she added.
The CRA would like to work with all relevant stakeholders towards an effective compliance of these measures however, the CRA will not hesitate to take the necessary action to deal with any instance of non-compliance.
Source : Qatar News Agency
