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Latest news & updates
This page keeps everyone—from industry professionals to engaged consumers—up to date on key reforms, standards, governance news, and the DMC’s ongoing work.
Stay informed with the Data & Marketing Commission’s (DMC) latest updates, insights, and regulatory developments. Our News page features:
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“Hot Topics” — timely breakdowns of emerging issues in marketing, updates to UK regulations and practical guidance.
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News Articles — announcements such as updated versions of the DMA Code, the release of our annual reports, new leadership and communications strategies, and more
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Archive by Date — a chronological list of monthly updates going back years, allowing you to explore past bulletins and policy commentary .
News
DMC submits views to DRCF
The DMC was pleased to submit its views recently to the Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum (DRCF)’s Call for Input for its Consumer Interest and AI project. The DRCF brings together four UK regulators to deliver a coherent approach to digital regulation – CMA, FCA, ICO and OFCOM - putting protecting consumers at the heart of its mandate. Views were invited from consumer groups, academics, civil society and industry on transparency, accountability and risk, alongside the pe
DMC appoints Independent Appeals Commissioner
We are delighted to announce that Cosmo Graham, a senior legal academic with expertise in customer service complaint handling, has been appointed the DMC's new Independent Appeals Commissioner (IAC). Cosmo commences his role in June, replacing Steve Wood, our former Appeals Commissioner who retired this year. We have put together a short Q&A to share more about Cosmo and the IAC role: What does the Appeals Commissioner do? Following a formal investigation and adjudicati
The ICO recently finalised its charity soft opt-in guidance
https://www.dma.org.uk/about/articles/ico-finalises-charity-soft-opt-in-guidance
The latest DMC Annual Report - 2025
“I am proud to present the DMC Annual Report for 2025. Notwithstanding the disappointment that we all felt with the delay to the Data (Use and Access) legislation, and the knock-on effect of delaying the Monitoring Body project we continue to work hard to improve both our processes and our communications. Supporting consumers has never been more important, both through clear, accessible information, and when things don’t go as planned. We remain committed to helping the pub
New laws to cancel subscriptions
Changes expected to come into force in Spring 2027 will make it easier to cancel subscriptions and get refunds for unwanted auto-renewals, the government has said. Consumers will no longer have to make "endless phone calls" to cancel a subscription, and they will be given a 14-day cooling off period after the end of a trial period, or when an annual subscription automatically renews. Find out more here at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvg0v36ek2go
DMC Position Statement on the Use of AI in Marketing
The DMC has published a short position paper on the use of AI in marketing, to support its role in overseeing the DMA Code and its key principles. ✅Put your customer first ✅Respect privacy ✅Be honest and fair ✅Be diligent with data ✅Take responsibility Emma Martins, DMC Chief Commissioner said " The DMA Code is grounded in trust, transparency, and accountability. As the industry increasingly adopts AI, its use has the potential to influence each of these core principles
FEDMA welcomes the European Commission’s Digital Omnibus Initiative
On 21st November, the Federation of European Data and Marketing (FEDMA) announced that it welcomed the European Commission’s initiative to simplify and streamline the EU’s digital regulatory landscape through its Digital Omnibus. This represents the first step toward reducing administrative burdens, enhancing legal clarity, and ensuring that Europe’s digital rulebook remains fit for purpose in a rapidly evolving environment. More details can be found here .
Next steps for the DMC: Code and Accreditation Plans
Now that the Data Use and Access Bill has been passed, the DMC plans, in 2026, to re-instate its application to become an independent Monitoring Body (IMB) accredited to the Information Commissioners Office . If this plan proceeds, then the DMC’s remit will be to enforce the DMA’s GDPR Code of Conduct whilst also continuing to enforce the DMA Code . Organisations will be given the opportunity to sign up to the GDPR Code following a rigorous compliance audit and once regis
DMC announces launch of re-vamped website
The DMC has today announced the launch of its updated website. The site features new branding and a streamlined user experience to help consumers find out more about the DMC, what is within its remit and how complaints can be raised. Examples of case studies and a resource of useful links as well as information about the DMC’s place within the data and marketing industry and the investigations process will help provide clarity to consumers and businesses who will want to kn
Update on incomplete adjudication
Nearly a decade ago, we reported that a timeshare reseller company called Hollywood Marketing had resigned its DMA membership following an incomplete adjudication process. The conclusion of what became one of the largest crimes of its kind in the UK has recently been reported with fourteen people convicted and sentenced for their part in exploiting over 3,500 victims in a more than £28 million investment fraud. Read full details here: https://www.cps.gov.uk/cps/news/fourtee
The latest DMC Annual Report – 2024
“ The marketing sector plays an important role in our economy. It also touches many of our lives as it is responsible for the handling of personal data of many millions of people. There is a legal and ethical imperative to encourage and support organisations to engage with both these imperatives in a proactive and constructive manner .” Comments by Chief Commissioner, Emma Martins, following publication of the latest Annual Report covering 2024. Further details on complaints
DMC launches its new Communications Strategy
The DMC has published its latest Communications Strategy and Strategic Plan . These documents set out how we plan to communicate with both industry and our community and defines our key messages, our communication objectives and how we plan to communicate our messages to our key audiences. Emma Martins, Chief Commissioner said “ I am delighted that we are now able to publish these two important documents that set out the key elements of our work and recognise the responsibi
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