Neželene klice tudi na številke, ki so vpisane v register ugovorov, in nezakonito zbrani podatki: kazen v višini 9,5 milijona evrov za Tim

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.