Term: "Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations"
Definition
The Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) are a set of UK regulations that complement the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act by setting specific privacy rights concerning electronic communications. Enacted in 2003 and updated over time, PECR cover a range of important areas including the use of cookies and similar technologies for storing information on users' devices, the security of public electronic communications services, and the privacy of customers using communications networks or services.
Key aspects of PECR include rules requiring businesses to obtain consent from users before placing cookies on their devices (unless the cookies are strictly necessary for the service requested by the user), restrictions on sending unsolicited marketing emails and texts, and regulations on making direct marketing calls. PECR also address the confidentiality of communications, including traffic and location data, and the need for service providers to inform users of any security breaches that may affect their data.
PECR are enforced by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) in the UK, and breaches can lead to significant fines and enforcement actions. As digital communication continues to evolve, the importance of PECR in protecting individual privacy in the electronic communications space remains paramount, ensuring that personal data is used responsibly and with respect to individuals' rights.