Lib Dems must stop automated calls

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An enforcement notice has been issued by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) under the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations.

It follows the party's use of 250,000 such calls, featuring a recorded message from party leader Nick Clegg, in the wake of his conference speech last week.

The ICO ruled that the calls constituted "direct marketing" which is not allowed to be targeted at anyone who has not given prior consent.

It said "a number" of complaints had been received.

The party argued that the calls did not constitute marketing as they also asked people questions about their views on Liberal Democrat policies.

Using a technique copied from the US, the use of the calls was centred on voters in a number of key constituencies across the country.

But the ICO, in a statement, said: "After reviewing the phone script, the ICO concluded that the calls were made for the purpose of promoting the Liberal Democrats and therefore constituted direct marketing."

It went on: "In addition, the ICO has now received a number of complaints from those who received calls without giving their prior consent.

"The Privacy and Electronic Communication Regulations forbid the use of automated unsolicited direct marketing calls to any individual who has not previously given their consent to receive such calls."