Do Not Call Registry (DNCR)
August 2023 Update
DNCR: The National Registry
Initiated to strengthen the security of the communication ecosystem, the Do Not Call Registry (DNCR), in effect from September 2022, shields customers from unsolicited telemarketing, spam, and harmful calls and ensures a robust and secure communication environment.
As of August 2023, telemarketers are strictly prohibited from contacting customers listed under the DNCR, even if prior consent has been obtained. Customers reserve the right to raise a complaint if they still encounter unsolicited communication.
How does it work?
Telemarketers
Initiated to strengthen the security of the communication ecosystem, the Do Not Call Registry (DNCR), in effect from September 2022, shields customers from unsolicited telemarketing, spam, and harmful calls and ensures a robust and secure communication environment.
As of August 2023, telemarketers are strictly prohibited from contacting customers listed under the DNCR, even if prior consent has been obtained. Customers reserve the right to raise a complaint if they still encounter unsolicited communication.
Frequently Asked Questions for Telemarketers
Why has DNCR come into effect?
The Do Not Call Registry (DNCR) is a controlled platform governing and protecting individuals from unsolicited or malicious calls. This platform comprises a list of telephone numbers of individuals who do not wish to receive promotional telemarketing or spam calls. This has come into effect to create a safer communications environment.
What does consent mean?
Consent is the explicit approval of a subscriber or customer to receive promotional, sales or telemarketing calls.
What if my organisation has obtained consent prior to DNCR coming to effect?
As of the August 2023 update, telemarketers may NOT contact individuals listed under the DNCR, even with prior consent.
What should an organisation do before making any promotional calls to individuals for whom the explicit consent is not available?
Before making promotional calls to individuals, an organisation must cross-check and verify that the telephone number is not registered with DNCR.
How do I check DNCR?
With effect from September 2022, organisations must continually check the Registry to ensure that the numbers they make promotional telemarketing calls to, are not listed in DNCR. To check the list, please log in to Business Online Portal, navigate to the ‘Settings’ Tab, and click on the ‘Promotional Calls Settings’ icon to check the status.
For a step-by-step tutorial on how to verify the status of numbers listed under DNCR, click here.
Will my business be charged for accessing the DNCR list?
Organisations can create an account and check numbers under DNCR by logging in to the Business Online Portal and navigating under the ‘Settings’ Tab. You will not be charged for accessing the DNCR list.
My business is locally based; however, my telemarketing team is based abroad. Would they need to abide by DNCR too?
Absolutely. It falls under the responsibility of a telemarketer to abide by the rules and regulations of the regulatory framework in the U.A.E.
What will happen if my business continues making promotional calls to numbers listed in DNCR?
Phone numbers breaching this guidance will have their telecom services revoked and further reported to the concerned authorities.
Individuals
DNCR is an active platform in compliance with the regulatory framework to protect customers from Spam Calls. As of the August 2023 update, individuals may no longer receive any promotional calls as long as they are enlisted under the DNCR.
You may register your mobile number within DNCR to disable/block calls from businesses. Should you still continue to get contacted by telemarketers, you may raise a complaint against the specific business.
Frequently Asked Questions for Individuals
How will DNCR help me?
Yes. As of the August 2023 update, telemarketers may no longer contact individuals enlisted under the DNCR, even with prior consent.
The Do Not Call Registry prevents all unsolicited sales/promotional calls by sharing a list that tells telemarketers what numbers not to call. If businesses should choose to ignore it and you continue to receive such calls even after enlisting, you may raise a complaint by calling 101 for personal numbers or 800 5800 for business numbers.
Q) How do I add my number to DNCR?
- Website: Click here to add the number to the Do Not Call Registry (DNCR).
- SMS: Send ‘DNCR’ to 1012 for your number to be added to the DNCR.
Q) How do I check the status or unblock calls to my number?
A) To unblock calls, please SMS ‘UDNCR’ to 1012. Similarly, you may send an SMS to 1012 with ‘IDNCR’ to inquire about your number’s status.
Q) Once registered to DNCR, when will I need to update in case it expires?
A) Your registration will never expire. We will only remove your number from the Registry if it’s deactivated and reassigned or if you have specifically asked to remove it.
Q) How long would it take after registration for my number to be updated under DNCR?
A) Once registered, your number is immediately updated in the Registry. You should stop receiving unsolicited promotional calls soon.
Q) Will DNCR stop all unwanted calls?
A) No. The Do Not Call Registry solely prevents all unsolicited sales/promotional calls by sharing a list that tells telemarketers what numbers not to call. We cannot stop or block calls from businesses that choose to ignore it; however, if such an incident should arise, you may raise a complaint by calling 101 for Consumer or 800 5800 for Business, following which necessary actions will be taken.
Q) How do I raise a complaint against unsolicited calls?
A) If you have registered your number in and you are receiving unsolicited promotional calls, you may raise a complaint by clicking here or by calling Customer Care at 101 for personal numbers, or 800 5800 for business numbers.
Q) How do I block promotional and spam calls directly from my device?
A) The process for blocking a number may differ depending on the type of device, i.e. Apple, Samsung, Huawei, etc., but the option to block calls from the device itself is available in each. Apple users can simply go to their phone settings and choose to Silence Unknown Callers or update a number under Blocked Contacts that they do not want to receive calls from. Similarly, Android users have the option of using Call Screen or Smart Call, to screen calls from individuals who are not in their contacts.
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