Navigating Portugal's marketing laws for phone outreach requires careful attention to detail, primarily governed by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and specific national regulations like the Lei de Protecção de Dados Pessoais (Law 58/2019, which transposes GDPR).
The cornerstone principle is explicit consent. Before adding anyone to a phone outreach list or calling them for marketing purposes, you must obtain clear, affirmative consent. This means individuals must actively opt-in, often through a portugal phone number list specific tick-box on a form, separate from other terms and conditions. Mere silence or pre-ticked boxes do not constitute valid consent. You must also clearly inform them about the purpose of the call, who you are, and how their data will be used.
There must be a simple and free way for individuals to opt-out or unsubscribe at any time. This opt-out mechanism should be clearly communicated before and during the call, typically through a spoken instruction like "Press 9 to opt out" or a dedicated number to call. Automated systems must also provide an easy opt-out method.
Certain categories, like individuals on official "Do Not Call" registers (though usage varies), may have heightened protection. You must honor any previously given opt-outs strictly.
Record-keeping is essential. Businesses must maintain evidence of consent, including how, when, and from whom it was obtained. GDPR imposes strict data protection rules regarding storage, security, and the right to erasure (right to be forgotten).
Failure to comply can result in significant fines and legal action. Therefore, thorough understanding and strict adherence to these laws are non-negotiable for any phone marketing campaigns targeting individuals in Portugal.