What is the Dutch Do-Not-Call Register and does it still work?
Since 1 July 2021 no longer opt-out but opt-in regime — cold calls require prior consent. The old register has been abolished.
Important update: the Bel-me-niet Register was active from 2009-2021. Abolished since 1 July 2021 — replaced by an opt-in regime in the Dutch Telecoms Act (Tw Art. 11.7). This means: telemarketing calls are only allowed with prior consent. No consent = unlawful calling. How does it work now? When may a business call you? (1) Existing customer relationship + similar product + opt-out offered in every expression. (2) Explicit consent given for telemarketing — free + specific + unambiguous (not implicit via general terms). Unwanted call? (a) Hang up and block. (b) Ask business for unsubscribe (immediate-effect required). (c) Complaint to ACM (consumer law / Tw enforcement) — typically fines €50-€500k per violation. (d) Complaint to AP (GDPR aspect). Separately: "No-No" and "No-Yes" stickers apply only to unaddressed advertising leaflets, not to phone. Postal direct marketing: separate scheme via Postfilter.nl where you can opt out from multiple umbrellas (Stichting Postfilter).
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