Lib Dems banned from automated calling

The Liberal Democrats have been found to be in breach of the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) following an investigation into the party's use of automated phone calls.

The calls - which played a recorded voice message from party leader, Nick Clegg - were received earlier this month by numerous UK households in marginal constituencies.

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After reviewing the calls, the ICO deemed their content to be direct marketing effectively as it was intended to promote the party. The Privacy and Electronic Communication Regulations specifically forbids automated unsolicited direct marketing calls.

The ICO also said it received complaints from people unhappy at receiving these calls without their permission.

The Liberal Democrat Party has been issued with an enforcement notice, a legal order to stop the activity within 30 days.

The party could face prosecution if it contravenes the notice and now has 28 days to appeal the decision.

In response to the decision, the party said in a statement: "The Liberal Democrats will abide by the ruling from the Information Commissioner's Office. We will not be appealing against the decision."

Deputy information commissioner, David Smith, said the ICO has consistently stated that promoting a political party is the same as marketing.

In a statement he added: "Many people find unsolicited automated calls particularly intrusive and annoying so it is important that any organisation making such calls ensures that individuals have given their consent before they are targeted."

The Scottish National Party had its knuckles rapped for the same reason in 2005.