4. Are you annoyed about direct marketing e-mails addressed to you?

4. Are you annoyed about direct marketing e-mails addressed to you?

Under section 35E of the Ordinance, a data user can only use your personal data in direct marketing if it has obtained your prior consent (which can include an indication of no objection). Section 35G gives you the general right to request a data user to cease to use your personal data in direct marketing at any time, such as to request the sender to stop sending marketing e-mails to you.

You should also take precautions to avoid receiving unsolicited advertising e-mails. To reduce the chances of making yourself a marketing target, you should avoid registering with free e-mail services or e-mail directory services. If you use a "signature file" (note) in your e-mail correspondence , you should be careful not to provide unnecessary details about yourself in the signature file which may expose you as a marketing target.

(Note: A signature file is small text file that can be automatically attached to the end of e-mail messages. It may include the sender's name, job title, company name, phone/fax number, etc.)

Please go to Part VI for further information on privacy issues in relation to direct marketing.