The Italian Data Protection Authority has imposed a €9.5 million fine on Telecom Italia (Tim) for multiple violations of data privacy and telemarketing regulations. The sanction follows an investigation into the activities of several abusive call centers operating on behalf of the company, which used unauthorized phone numbers and illicit data collection methods to engage users under false pretenses. According to the authority, these practices were designed to mislead customers into believing they were speaking with authorized Tim representatives, while in reality, the calls were part of a systematic scheme to gather personal information illegally. The case originated from approximately 7,000 complaints filed against Tim regarding unwanted promotional calls made on its behalf in 2025. These calls were conducted using phone numbers not registered in the Register of Communication Operators (Roc) or altered through spoofing techniques. Many of the targeted users had been enrolled in the Public Register of Oppositions (Rpo), a database allowing individuals to opt out of unsolicited communications. Despite this, the call centers continued their operations, often directing calls to users who had explicitly requested to be excluded from marketing efforts. The Authority found that Tim’s justifications, such as adherence to a code of conduct, were insufficient. It emphasized that the company remained legally obligated to monitor the actions of its partners and ensure compliance with data protection measures throughout the entire telemarketing supply chain. Additionally, the Authority confirmed that Tim systematically failed to uphold its obligations concerning the exercise of rights by affected individuals. This included delayed or incomplete responses to requests for access, deletion, or opposition to data processing, as well as overly complex or non-functional procedures for opting out. As part of the penalty, Tim must implement corrective measures, including revising the process for generating leads, strengthening oversight of its sales network, and improving the procedures for exercising user rights. The Authority also highlighted the illegal pattern followed by the agencies involved. These entities operated through a structured method: receiving unwanted calls on users registered in the Rpo, masking the caller's number via spoofing to promote Tim services, and then sending SMS links to users inviting them to complete forms requesting contact. These forms generated fake leads, which were later used by the call centers to reach users through legitimate numbers registered in the Roc, creating the illusion of lawful communication and formal contractual processes. Massimiliano Dona, president of the National Consumers Union, commented on the ruling, calling it “great news.” He noted that Italians have grown weary of unwanted calls and praised the enforcement action as a necessary step toward curbing unlawful telemarketing practices. Dona pointed out that the law enacted in January 2018 clearly holds companies responsible in solid for violations even when they delegate such activities to third parties. He criticized the removal of similar protections from recent competition-related legislation, arguing that the fine demonstrates the importance of enforcing stricter controls over telemarketing within the telecommunications sector. The case underscores the ongoing challenges in regulating telemarketing practices, particularly in sectors where large corporations rely on external agents to manage customer interactions. The fine reflects the growing emphasis on holding companies accountable for the actions of their affiliated networks, ensuring that consumers are protected from deceptive and intrusive marketing tactics. As Tim works to comply with the new requirements, the outcome could set a precedent for future regulatory actions targeting similar violations in the industry.
3 reports
Il Fatto QuotidianoIndependentCenter4 hr. agoItaly's Data Protection Authority has fined Telecom Italia Mobile (Tim) €9.5 million for multiple violations related to data privacy and unsolicited telemarketing calls. The investigation focused on abusive call centers operating on behalf of Tim, which used numbers outside the official sales network to collect user data illegally, misleading users into thinking they were speaking with authorized agents. These calls often targeted users registered in the Public Opposition Register (RPO), violating their right to opt out. The authority criticized Tim for failing to ensure compliance with data protection laws across its telemarketing chain, including inadequate responses to user requests for access, deletion, or opposition to data processing. Additionally, Tim was found to have implemented overly complex and sometimes non-functional procedures for users to unsubscribe. The agency uncovered an illegal scheme where agencies disguised caller IDs (spoofing) to make unauthorized calls, then sent users a link to a partner website to generate fake 'leads,' allowing call centers to later contact them using legitimate numbers to create the appearance of legal activity.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of regulatory action against a telecommunications company for data privacy violations and telemarketing misconduct. It does not exhibit overt ideological bias, focusing instead on the enforcement of regulations by the Data Protection Authority and the resulting
ANSAIndependentCenter7 hr. agoThe Italian Data Protection Authority (Garante Privacy) has fined Tim €9.5 million for multiple violations related to data protection and telemarketing practices. The investigation focused on unauthorized call centers making promotional calls on behalf of Tim using numbers not registered in the official communication operators registry (ROC) or altered through spoofing techniques. These calls often targeted users who had opted out of receiving such communications via the national opposition register (RPO). The authority criticized Tim for failing to ensure compliance with data protection regulations across its sales network, including inadequate responses to user requests for access, deletion, or objection to data processing. Additionally, Tim was found to have used overly complex and sometimes non-functional procedures for users to unsubscribe. As a result, Tim must implement corrective measures, strengthen oversight of its sales network, and improve processes for handling user rights.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of regulatory enforcement by the Garante Privacy against Tim, focusing on legal and procedural violations rather than ideological or partisan issues. It does not exhibit clear bias toward any political side, nor does it frame the issue in a manner that favors a
Il Sole 24 OreParty-aligned🔒Center7 hr. agoThe Italian data protection authority, Garante per la Protezione dei Dati Personali, has fined TIM €9.5 million for multiple violations related to privacy and telemarketing practices. The sanctions stem from unauthorized promotional calls made by third-party call centers on behalf of TIM, using numbers not registered in the official communication operators' registry (ROC) or altered through spoofing techniques. These calls often targeted users who had opted out of receiving such communications via the national opt-out register (RPO). The authority found that TIM failed to ensure compliance with data protection obligations along its entire telemarketing supply chain and did not adequately respond to user requests regarding access, deletion, or opposition to their data. Additionally, TIM’s procedures for unsubscribing were deemed overly complex or non-functional. As a result, TIM must implement corrective measures, enhance oversight of its sales network, and improve processes for handling user rights.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual report on a regulatory enforcement action against a major telecommunications company. It does not exhibit overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or omission of context. The focus is on legal and regulatory actions taken by the Garante for Privacy, which is a non-
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