HAKOM calls on reporting of unsolicited SMS messages

ZAGREB, 29 November 2013 – Due to frequent cases of infringement of the Electronic Communications Act, i.e. the provisions on unsolicited electronic communications, via the sending of SMS messages whose content is unsuitable for children and minors, HAKOM, in agreement with all three mobile communications network operators, has agreed a faster procedure for the prevention of this illegal occurrence. Messages may be very vulgar and mainly represent the promotion for different services with a special tariff. Cases have also been reported of such messages being received by children.
 
Since any such promotion via the SMS without the user’s consent represents abuse, HAKOM and mobile communications network operators will, within the shortest possible period, permanently block any number for which it is indicated that it has been used for sending promotional messages without the user’s consent.  
 
All citizens can report any unsolicited promotional SMS message to the e-mail address nezeljeni.sms@hakom.hr set up for this purpose. The report should indicate the number from which the message was sent, the date and time of the receipt of the message, full name and the number of the person who has received the message, as well as the message content clearly showing it is a case of advertising. If possible, a snapshot of the device screen can be sent showing the text of the received message and information about the sender’s number and the time of the receipt of the message.
 
Additional information about unsolicited electronic communications at default.aspx?id=1394

 

HAKOM (www.hakom.hr) - Croatian Post and Electronic Communications Agency – ensures preconditions for a fair market competition, stable growth and environment for innovations in the electronic communications and postal services market. HAKOM protects users’ interests and the possibility of choice among various communications and postal services at affordable prices, defines sustainable competitive conditions for operators and service providers under fair conditions for return on investment, and provides support to economic growth, public services and the quality of life in the Republic of Croatia by using modern technologies. HAKOM’ strategic goals are: to promote regulation of the electronic communications and postal services market, to support growth of investments and innovations in the electronic communications and postal services market, to provide efficient use of limited resources, to accelerate the growth of broadband products and services, to provide affordable offers of communications and postal services, to provide protection and informing of users, to build an efficient and comprehensive information system, to define and implement efficient processes, and to acquire multi-disciplinary competencies in market regulation.