DOHA: The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) issued yesterday an Advertising Code to monitor advertisements and promotions of related products and services in Qatar.
The Code will further enhance the transparency of the ICT sector, and make it more effective for the consumers to make informed decisions while subscribing to telecom services in Qatar.
The Advertising Code clarifies the obligations of telecommunications service providers towards increased consumer protection. The Code also specifies how the CRA will ensure compliance. The Code requires that advertisements and information provided to consumers should be fair, truthful and accurate, and should not be misleading. This obligation is underpinned by more detailed provisions for advertisements comparing competing products, special offers, broadcast advertisements, etc.
“We, as the independent communications regulator in Qatar, understand that growth in the telecommunications market would lead to an increased amount of marketing effort to promote products and services,” said Saleh Al Kuwari, Chairman of the CRA Sub-Committee. “As observed from the type of complaints received from consumers this increase in marketing activities has led to confusion. The Advertising Code strives to address these concerns.”
One of the key requirements in the Code is that direct marketing such as via telephone calls, text messages, and emails, must be non-intrusive. Therefore advertisers who are subject to this Code must limit the number of contacts on a daily basis. Additionally, any such contact should take place at an appropriate time so as not to disturb consumers. Finally, advertisers must give consumers the option to opt out of receiving any further advertisements of this kind without any cost to them.
The Peninsula
