Direct marketing involves a person being targeted by an organisation (marketer) attempting to promote a product or service, or attempting to get the person to request additional information about a product or service. Types of direct marketing may include emails, texts, fax messages, telephone calls or mail. 

Unaddressed mail received at your home is not covered by data protection legislation as no personal data is used. Direct marketing does not include market surveys seeking your views on say political matters or radio listenership preferences. Nor does a reminder appointment from your doctor, dentist, or hairdresser constitute direct marketing.

For more information, read our guidance on direct marketing.