The Office of the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) is developing a national "do not call list" as an option to help people block calls and text messages from unwanted numbers, aiming to tackle call centre scams.
The new system is expected to be launched by early next year via an application that people can download. The app allows people to select which companies or sectors they do not want to receive calls or text messages from, with the system automatically blocking those numbers.
PDPC secretary-general Sivaruk Siwamogsatham said the agency developed the “do not call list” system to help people avoid unwanted calls and text messages.
Mr Sivaruk said the system will also compile public service numbers as whitelist numbers that can connect to people. The system will operate similar to the Whoscall app, he said.
The “do not call list” marks the first step in using personal data and artificial intelligence to prevent scammers and call centre scams, said Mr Sivaruk.
The commission has not named the system, but it might be called the Smart PDPA (Personal Data Protection Act) app, he said. A similar system has been adopted in several countries.
Yesterday the PDPC and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) signed a three-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on protecting personal information and increase the efficiency of supervision to benefit the public.
The MoU was signed by Mr Sivaruk and NBTC chairman Dr Sarana Boonbaichaipruck.
Dr Sarana said the telecom sector helps to improve quality of life and promotes the development of services in collaboration with other sectors, such as telemedicine.
In the telecom sector, the NBTC is the regulatory agency supervising the PDPA.
Trairat Viriyasirikul, acting secretary-general of the NBTC, said the PDPA has been in effect since June 1, 2022, meaning the regulator must account for PDPA rules in addition to its own regulations while protecting personal information in broadcasting and telecom operations.
In a related matter, the Anti Online Scam Operation Centre (AOC) received a total of 15,000 calls during Nov 1-6, the majority of which asked for its consultation.
During the same period, it froze 678 bank accounts within one hour of being notified by scam victims, according to the Digital Economy and Society Ministry.
The ministry started AOC operations on Nov 1 to serve as a one-stop service point to tackle rampant online scams.
The centre’s 24-hour hotline for the public is 1441.