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Nuisance Calls

Asked by Alex MayerLabourDepartment for Science, Innovation and TechnologyTabled Answered 5 November 2024UIN 11369

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to tackle (a) scam and (b) nuisance calls.

Answered by Chris Bryant

The Department works closely with Ofcom, who are responsible for tackling silent and abandoned calls, and the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) who lead on enforcement of unsolicited direct marketing calls and ensuring companies adhere to the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations. The new Data (Use and Access) Bill will empower the ICO to take action against companies sending nuisance communications.

To address scam calls, the Department works closely with Ofcom, and the Home Office (who are responsible for fraud policy). From January, new Ofcom rules will require telecoms operators to block calls from abroad presenting with a UK number.

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