South Africa targets 17.5 billion spam calls with new registry
- South Africa's spam calls reached 17.5 billion in the first half of 2026, a 25.2% increase from the previous year.
- The National Consumer Commission launched a National Opt-Out Registry to help consumers block unwanted direct marketing.
- Companies must register with the registry and cleanse their marketing lists monthly before running campaigns.
The establishment of the National Opt-Out Registry is a significant step towards protecting consumer privacy and reducing the burden of spam communications. However, the challenge lies in how effectively companies can integrate these new regulations into their existing marketing frameworks without disrupting their operations. Ongoing consumer education will be crucial to ensure the success of this initiative.
