No more spam calls: Ukraine introduces tougher telecom rules

On June 25, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved new regulations governing the provision and use of electronic communication services. According to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov, these rules equip mobile operators with tools to combat spam calls and intrusive advertising.

The new rules introduce mechanisms to significantly curb and regulate the spread of unsolicited commercial calls and messages.

"Ukrainians will no longer receive spam calls. Businesses must sign an agreement with a mobile operator and register the numbers they use for outreach. Otherwise, calls from such numbers may be blocked automatically," Fedorov wrote on Telegram.

The Cabinet’s resolution defines the terms "malicious" and "commercial" calls, explicitly prohibiting voice or text messages related to advertising or the offering of goods, services, or work without the user’s prior consent.

The use of automatic dialing systems for direct marketing or surveys is also banned without the end user’s explicit permission.

End users will have the right to request a free call-blocking service from their provider for numbers associated with spam or malicious activity.

Fedorov also noted that the decision introduces several other important consumer protections:

• In their personal account, users will be able not only to view all charges but also to independently disable content services without having to contact the operator.
• The actual internet speed must be stated in the contract. For instance, if a provider promises 100 Mbps but delivers only 40 Mbps, this constitutes a breach of contract. Users may file a complaint with the National Commission for State Regulation of Electronic Communications (NCCC) or pursue legal action.
• Users located in active war zones will not be disconnected or have their SIM cards blocked due to non-payment for services.