10th March 2008
The two regulators have agreed guidelines for deciding which of them leads investigations of non-compliant behaviour by telemarketers in reference to the 2003 Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations, and how they should work together.
While Ofcom's focus is on policing persistent misuse of electronic communications networks and the ICO's is on privacy and data handling issues, there is some overlap.
The pair will share information about their investigations and enforcement activity on a quarterly basis. Their joint statement promises they will prioritise quick and effective enforcement.