It isn’t spam.
5 Likes
Which law? I don’t think there are any laws that would prevent the carriers sending these on the governments behalf
Respectfully, I thought we were having an interesting exchange. That’s what a debate is: different people put out their opinions and, hopefully, reasonable listeners adjust their opinion on the basis of the evidence presented.
That said, I’m very sorry if you feel brow-beaten.
(I do disagree on your definition of digital privacy though. You’re missing an essential point about consentimg to collect and process information about a subject which isn’t happening here. But we’ve both made our points so I’ll back off now).
4 Likes
I don’t have any problem with these texts but I do respect that some people do feel they were intrusive.
It’s good in my view that no matter how small the intrusion people question it.
4 Likes
Again, source Ofcom
What are spam texts and how do I stop receiving them?
A spam text is a text message sent to a mobile phone marketing a particular product or service.
This wasn’t marketing. It was a time sensitive medical alert during a pandemic.
6 Likes
I think you are a bit too focussed on the Ofcom simplification of a complex set of laws. These were written to inform consumers about product marketing, they weren’t written as guidance on government communications and in that context they aren’t very accurate
9 Likes
Please can you link to your sources rather than just posting them like this?
I agree it’s not a privacy issue, it’s possibly technically unlawful I haven’t looked into it myself but I’m sure they’ll be covered or twist an act to be covered by some covid or other emergency legislation anyway.
But my main 2p was I’d rather they used this than spending millions of taxpayers money on billboards and Reddit ads that get glossed over.
2 Likes
Billboards (when we’re encouraged not to go out) and Reddit (which only a small subset of people would ever see) would be a waste and just isn’t a clever way to get any message across.
I think, short of bringing town criers back, there are very limited ways of reaching the majority of the population and ‘direct to phone’ may be one of the most effective.
4 Likes
Consent is not needed for the government to use your information.
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2018/12/section/8/enacted
To get PECR to apply you’d have to argue that (a) the government is a communication provider, and (b) any contact from them was marketing. I think you’d fail on both points.
2 Likes
You are correct and this is usually the misconception with GDPR, that you actually have to give consent to everything about your data.
A data controller can control your data if it has a genuine legal reason to use it without your permission. Credit Reference Agencies are a good example of this.
4 Likes
My hometown has one! Let’s get them screaming about Covid 
3 Likes
On a more positive note 
Although I do believe that to get to the “learning to live with covid” stage, we need to lift all restrictions, and I can’t see that happening anytime soon.
Although Boris holding his nerve (for whatever reason) and not bringing in any further restrictions before Christmas is a glimmer of hope.
Yes and no. Depending where hospital numbers go now he’s either the saviour of Tory freedoms or the Prince of Folly. Only time will tell now.
Articles are starting to suggest that if further measures are required by a worst case scenario then it’s now too late to implement them.
“Worst case” is naturally unlikely, of course.
3 Likes
It does need a Government somewhere to start the ball rolling and declare that the pandemic is coming to an end, because as soon as one does, I believe others will follow. Probably slowly and with critism along the way, but follow they will.
Maybe our Government is the one to do it. We can hope.
It isn’t Tit Monday this isn’t something someone can just decide for political gain.
The scientists were calling for restrictions before Christmas, but none were imposed.
(As I said originally for whatever reasons)
Many would say that’s exactly what Boris did before Christmas.
1 Like
I think this is the questionable bit of your statement. If it IS coming to an end than what you say may be fair. I’m just not sure that that’s an assessment that can be made yet.
3 Likes