Proposal to curb annoying marketing calls

TDT | Manama

Email: ashen@newsofbahrain.com

The Financial and Economic Affairs Committee of the Shura Council met to discuss a proposed law aimed at reducing the nuisance of unsolicited marketing and advertising calls.

The meeting, chaired by Khalid Almaskati, focused on a proposal to amend certain provisions of Law No. (35) of 2012 concerning consumer protection. The proposal, submitted by Shura Council members Lina Habib Qasim, Dr Jehad Abdullah Al Fadhel, Dalal Jasim Al Zayed, Hala Ramzi Fayez, and Hisham Hashim Al Qassab, was thoroughly reviewed.

Ms. Qasim and Ms. Fayez, two of the proposal’s authors, were present to address the committee’s questions and concerns. The committee engaged in a detailed discussion of the proposal’s objectives and principles, along with several inquiries regarding the proposed amendments to the Consumer Protection Law. The aim is to ensure the amendments effectively achieve the proposal’s goals upon implementation. The proposed law includes adding a clause to the Consumer Protection Law.

This clause would mandate that providers and advertisers avoid disturbing consumers during marketing calls and refrain from manipulating consumer behaviour to purchase unnecessary goods or services. The proposal also empowers the relevant minister to issue a decision outlining rules and regulations for marketing com munications.