Dutch regulator Opta and the privacy protection agency CBP have set rules on 'tell a friend' online marketing. A tell-a-friend system allows website users to send e-mails without the prior consent of the recipient, which would normally be considered spam.
The regulators have set conditions for when such systems could be used legally. The recipient of the emails needs to be able to clearly identify the sender and the website is not allowed to offer (a chance on) compensation to visitors for using the tell-a-friend system. Furthermore, the sender must be able to see the full content of the e-mail that will be send and the website can not use the personal data for other purposes. Finally the website must have security systems to prevent misuse.
Beware: giving someone more chance to win a price by forwarding an invitation to 5 friends will still fall under anti-spam regulations. That is a (chance on) compensation!
Kim Braber
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office Emerald House Jozef Israëlskade 48-G Amsterdam, the Netherlands t +31 (0)20 - 305 3066 www.hoogenhaak.nl |
post PO Box 76780 1070 KB Amsterdam e info@hoogenhaak.nl f +31 (0)20 - 305 3069 chamber of commerce 34314579 |
Dutch regulator Opta and the privacy protection agency CBP have set rules on 'tell a friend' online marketing. A tell-a-friend system allows website users to send e-mails without the prior consent of the recipient, which would normally be considered spam.
The regulators have set conditions for when such systems could be used legally. The recipient of the emails needs to be able to clearly identify the sender and the website is not allowed to offer (a chance on) compensation to visitors for using the tell-a-friend system. Furthermore, the sender must be able to see the full content of the e-mail that will be send and the website can not use the personal data for other purposes. Finally the website must have security systems to prevent misuse.
Beware: giving someone more chance to win a price by forwarding an invitation to 5 friends will still fall under anti-spam regulations. That is a (chance on) compensation!
Kim Braber