New Regulations to End Unwanted Commercial Calls in Spain

In a significant move to tackle the issue of unsolicited calls, the Spanish Ministry for Digital Transformation and Public Function has announced a new resolution that will take effect starting October. The resolution mandates that all commercial calls must be made from a specific nine-digit number beginning with the code 400. This initiative aims to reduce the volume of unwanted calls, enhance consumer protection, and mitigate the risks of telephone fraud, particularly regarding identity theft. This decision is part of the broader efforts to maintain clarity in public numbering resources, allowing consumers to identify commercial communications easily, and promoting better utilization of these resources. The introduction of the prefix 400 is designed to establish a distinct separation between personal calls and commercial outreach. When the resolution comes into effect, telephone operators will have the capability to block calls that do not originate from these designated 400 numbers. This means that users will only receive commercial calls from verified lines, significantly reducing the chances of falling victim to fraudulent activities. However, it is important to note that existing service numbers, such as 800 and 900, utilized for customer service inquiries will remain unaffected by this regulation. Additionally, the new rules empower consumers by providing them with options to completely block commercial calls originating from the 400 prefix. This means that users interested in avoiding these calls can opt out en masse, rather than dealing with unwanted calls on an individual basis. For those who still receive calls from unverified numbers, the government has established protocols for reporting such incidents. Consumers can report these infractions directly to the Telecommunications User Attention Office (OAUT) or the National Commission of Markets and Competition (CNMC), which will undertake the necessary actions against offending companies. This initiative complements previous government actions, including the passing of a consumer protection law and a dedicated plan aimed at fighting telephone scams. Minister Óscar López noted that as a result of such measures, approximately 192 million unwanted calls and 17 million unsolicited SMS messages have already been blocked. Moreover, the fight against commercial harassment won’t stop at call identification. Starting from June 7, the CNMC will introduce an official registry listing all organizations allowed to send SMS messages to consumers. This move is intended to curb identity theft and provide an additional layer of protection against fraudulent SMS communications impersonating banks, energy companies, or other institutions. Minister López emphasized the importance of these developments, stating, "There was a pressing need for SMS identification to avoid identity impersonation. Fake SMS messages will be greatly reduced with this new registry.” Under these new regulations, telecom operators will be instructed to block any messages not coming from a verified alphanumeric sender listed in the CNMC’s database. By implementing these comprehensive measures, the Spanish government is taking a strong stance against unsolicited communications, ensuring greater protection for consumers while fostering a more reliable telecommunications landscape. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2