Personal data and privacy - Ofcom

Topics

About Ofcom

Ofcom is the regulator for the communications services that we use and rely on each day.

Internet-based services

As people communicate seamlessly online and offline, we now need to invest our efforts into making digital communications work for everyone

Media use and attitudes

Ofcom wants to understand how adults and children in the UK use media.

Online safety

Under the Online Safety Act, Ofcom's job is to make online services safer for the people who use them. We make sure companies have effective systems in place to protect users from harm.

Phones and broadband

Ofcom is committed to a thriving telecoms sector, where companies can compete fairly and customers benefit from a broad range of services.

Post

Ofcom's job is to make sure there is a universal postal service.

Spectrum

You can't see or feel radio spectrum, but we use it every day. Our job is to authorise and manage the use of spectrum in the UK.

TV, radio and on-demand

We make sure that broadcasters provide quality TV, radio and on-demand programmes that appeal to diverse audiences. We also have rules in place to protect viewers and listeners from harm.
Ofcom's work

Advice for businesses

How to make the most of communications services as a small business.

Advice for consumers

How to make the most of the services you use, and deal with problems.

Consultations and statements

Proposals we are consulting on and decisions we've made.

Enforcement

How we make sure companies follow our rules, to protect customers and promote competition.

Information for industry

Rules, guidance and other information for the industries we regulate.

Licence information

If you're looking to use certain radio equipment, or broadcast on TV or radio, you'll need a licence from Ofcom.

News and updates

Our latest news, features, views and information about our work.

Research, statistics and data

Evidence we gather to inform our work as a regulator.
Complaints
Complaints
- Ofcom may be able to help you complain about or report issues relating to: phone, broadband and postal services; TV, radio and on-demand programmes; interference to wireless devices; or something you have seen on an online service, website or app.
- The types of complaint we deal with
- Get in touch by phone or post
Licences
Licences
- You need a licence from Ofcom if you’re looking to use certain radio equipment (like amateur or ships radio), or broadcast on TV or radio.
- Help with your spectrum licence
- Help with your broadcast licence

Cymraeg

Published: 26 October 2023

Last updated: 26 October 2023

Ofcom does not regulate data protection. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the relevant regulator, has lots of useful information for the public.

If you are unhappy with how your data is being used by online services, you can complain directly to the ICO.

Recording calls

There are several laws for the recording of phone calls. These include:

the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA);
the Telecommunications (Lawful Business Practice) (Interception of Communications) Regulations 2000 (LBP Regulations);
the Data Protection Act 2018;
the Telecommunications (Data Protection and Privacy) Regulations 1999; and
the Human Rights Act 1998

If you need help in this area, you should seek legal advice. Due to the complexities of the laws involved, Ofcom is not in a position to offer guidance.

Related content

The types of complaint Ofcom deals with

Ofcom may be able to help you complain about or report issues relating to phone, broadband and postal services, and TV, radio and on-demand programmes.

Get in touch by phone or post

The way a service was sold