Your data in the UK: getting off marketing lists
Last checked: 28 Sep 2026; links rechecked 12 Oct 2026
Most UK marketing lists and people-search sites start from the same few sources, above all the open electoral register. Opting out at the source first, then at each company, stops your details being copied back in.
In this order
- Opt out of the open register: free, through your council, and it doesn't affect your vote.
- Opt out of the credit agencies' marketing services: Experian, TransUnion, Equifax, plus Sagacity and Acxiom. This is separate from your credit file.
- Remove your details from people-search sites: 192.com, ukphonebook, the phone book and Findmypast.
- Register with the preference services below, for calls and post. For post, see how to stop junk mail; for calls, how to stop unwanted sales calls.
Preference services
| Service | What it covers | What it doesn't |
|---|---|---|
| Telephone Preference Service | Unsolicited live sales and marketing calls, to landlines and mobiles. Free; you can also register by texting "TPS" and your email address to 85095. | Companies you agreed could call you before you registered: opt out with them directly. |
| Mailing Preference Service | Unwanted addressed direct mail. Free; can take up to three months to take full effect. | Overseas mail, unaddressed mail, post to "The Occupier", or mail from companies you've already done business with. |
| Fundraising Preference Service | Direct marketing from named charities registered in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Up to 21 days to take effect. | Charities registered in Scotland, door-to-door or street fundraising, and charity bags. |
| Royal Mail Door to Door opt-out | Unaddressed items delivered by Royal Mail. Paper form; lasts two years. | Addressed mail, including "To the Occupier", and leaflets from other distributors. |
Your rights
- Object to direct marketing: organisations can't refuse, though they can keep you on a suppression list.
- Ask for your data to be deleted: in specific situations, including after you've objected to direct marketing.
- Find out what an organisation holds: a subject access request, usually answered within a month.
- If they don't respond: complain to the organisation (it must acknowledge within 30 days), then to the regulator.
Also listed on US people-search sites? See Your data in the US.
The UK data protection regulator became the Information Commission on 30 September 2026. It was previously the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), and its guidance is still at ico.org.uk.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Opt out of the open register
- Information Commission (formerly the ICO): The right to object (updated 23 Jul 2026)
- Information Commission: Your right to get your data deleted
- Information Commission: Getting copies of your information (subject access)
- Information Commission: Make a complaint
- Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, s.103 (complaints to controllers)
- Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (Commencement No. 9) Regulations 2026 (Information Commission)
- Telephone Preference Service
- Mailing Preference Service
- Fundraising Preference Service
- Fundraising Preference Service: FAQ
- Royal Mail: How to opt out of advertising mail
This page describes your options and how organisations say they handle requests. It isn't legal advice. See About & sourcing to report a correction.