Cookies, Online Tracking and Direct Marketing
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Cookies, Online Tracking and Direct Marketing Start Comparison
Are there specific requirements for the use of cookies and other online tracking technologies?

Last review date: 7 January 2025

No.

Are there specific requirements related to the use of personal data for direct marketing activities?

Last review date: 7 January 2025

Yes.

         email marketing

         prior opt-in consent

         prior existing business relationship (and subject to other requirements) with opt-out consent

         telephone marketing

         prior opt-in consent

         prior existing business relationship (and subject to other requirements) with opt-out consent

         SMS/text message marketing

         prior opt-in consent

         prior existing business relationship (and subject to other requirements) with opt-out consent

         postal marketing

         prior opt-in consent

         prior existing business relationship (and subject to other requirements) with opt-out consent

         online behavioral advertising targeting/social media targeting/ad personalization marketing

         prior opt-in consent

         prior existing business relationship (and subject to other requirements) with opt-out consent

NPC Circular No. 2023-04 states that when processing non-sensitive personal information, a controller may consider direct marketing as a legitimate interest, which would not require the consent of the data subject, provided that the controller conducts a legitimate interest assessment (LIA). If the LIA reveals that legitimate interest cannot be made the basis for processing, the controller may still process the personal data on the basis of consent. In case consent is relied upon by the controller as its legal basis for processing and such consent is withdrawn by the data subject, the controller cannot claim legitimate interest to continue the processing activity.

Additionally, in an office advisory issued by the NPC, the NPC reiterated that the DPA does not consider a soft opt-in approach as valid consent, and hence PICs and PIPs have to rely on the other lawful criteria for processing: (1) the legitimate interest is established; (2) the processing is necessary to fulfill the legitimate interest that is established; and (3) the interest is legitimate or lawful and it does not override fundamental rights and freedoms of data subjects.