{
  "id": 5537407,
  "title": "MTN, OUTsurance face Information Regulator scrutiny over unsolicited marketing",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/mtn-outsurance-face-information-regulator-scrutiny-over-unsolicited",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-04T10:46:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/business/2026-09-04-mtn-outsurance-face-information-regulator-scrutiny-over-unsolicited-marketing/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Information Regulator has referred two direct marketing practices, those of MTN and Outsurance, to its Enforcement Committee for potential violations of South Africa's data protection laws. This comes as part of the regulator's initiatives to tackle increasing concerns over the handling and utilization of personal data. Pansy Tlakula, the Chairperson of the regulator, highlighted that these referrals are significant as they pose critical questions on the application of section 69 of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) regarding direct marketing via unsolicited electronic communication.\n\nThe regulator emphasized that the outcomes of these cases will provide a clearer understanding for both the involved entities and those affected. Tlakula clarified that POPIA does not hinder legitimate business but is instead a lawful and fair framework for business operations. Over 3,800 complaints were received last year, with 10% of these complaints linked to direct marketing practices. These complaints show a persistent concern among individuals regarding the use of their personal information for marketing, particularly through electronic communications.\n\nThe regulator also applauded recent amendments to the Consumer Protection Act, aimed at reducing unsolicited marketing communications, such as spam calls. Tlakula pointed out that the National Consumer Commission's Do Not Contact Register is a crucial additional measure in combating unwanted direct marketing. She expressed the regulator's belief that closer collaboration between the National Consumer Commission and the regulator will bolster the fight against unwanted electronic communication and enhance protection for consumers and data subjects. However, she reiterated that the referrals do not imply the companies have been found guilty of breaking POPIA laws.",
  "summary": "The Information Regulator has referred direct-marketing matters involving MTN, OUTsurance and other companies to its Enforcement Committee over possible breaches of POPIA.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}