United Kingdom
Telemarketing compliance for outbound calls in the UK — TPS, CTPS, automated call consent, and what Octocom handles.
This page covers what you need to know for outbound marketing calls in the UK. The rules are straightforward once you understand the split between live and automated calls.
We'll help you get this right
These are recommendations based on ICO guidance. We're happy to review your setup and help confirm you're configured correctly.
The key split: live vs. automated
UK rules treat live calls and automated calls differently.
Live calls (human agent):
- Screen against TPS and CTPS before calling
- Don't call anyone who's asked you to stop
- Existing customers on TPS still need specific consent to call
Automated calls (recorded message / AI):
- Need specific consent for automated calls — general marketing consent isn't enough
- This is PECR regulation 19
For Octocom AI outbound, the practical default is to collect specific automated-call consent unless your legal team advises otherwise.
Your setup checklist
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Collect the right consent. For AI/automated calls, your checkout consent should specifically mention automated calls — not just "marketing calls."
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Screen TPS and CTPS. Before any live marketing campaign, check numbers against both registers. Even existing customers on TPS need specific consent.
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Maintain your own suppression list. When someone says stop, add them immediately.
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Display your number. Always show a valid caller ID. Never withhold your number on marketing calls.
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Identify yourself. Say who's calling at the start. For automated calls, include a contact address or freephone number in the message.
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Keep records. Store consent, suppression events, and call logs.
What Octocom handles
| Control | What we do |
|---|---|
| Opt-outs | Immediate suppression when someone says stop |
| Caller ID | Real, accurate caller ID on every call |
| Scripts | Fully configurable — you control the opening and content |
| Records | Consent status, call attempts, outcomes |
TPS/CTPS screening is your responsibility to set up, but we can help you integrate it into your workflow.
AI disclosure
There's no enacted PECR rule requiring the specific words "I am an AI" in the call opening. You must identify your organisation. Good practice may include mentioning it's an automated or AI assistant — but that's your choice, not a statutory script requirement.
Calling hours
PECR doesn't set specific hours, but Ofcom treats calls at unsociable hours as potential misuse. Stick to daytime and early evening in the recipient's timezone.
Official sources
Note: ICO guidance is under review following the Data (Use and Access) Act. Check the ICO page for updates.
Summary
- For AI/automated calls, get specific automated-call consent
- Screen TPS and CTPS for live calls
- Maintain your own suppression list
- Always display caller ID and identify your organisation
- Keep records of consent and calls
We're happy to help you configure this for the UK market.