Privacy guide

How to complain about unwanted marketing messages.

How to stop and complain about unwanted marketing calls, SMS and emails in India, including DND, unsubscribe rights and keeping proof.

The simple answer

Unwanted marketing usually comes through SMS, calls, email or app notifications. Start by using the unsubscribe link, opting out of promotional messages, and registering for DND for telecom spam.

If messages continue after you opted out, that is when a complaint becomes stronger. Keep the messages, note that you opted out, and raise it with the company and the relevant channel.

What to check

1
Use unsubscribe and opt-out options first.

If this is unclear, treat it as a signal to ask the company for a plain-English explanation.

2
Register and check DND for telecom spam.

If this is unclear, treat it as a signal to ask the company for a plain-English explanation.

3
Keep proof that you opted out.

If this is unclear, treat it as a signal to ask the company for a plain-English explanation.

4
Note messages that continue after opt-out.

If this is unclear, treat it as a signal to ask the company for a plain-English explanation.

5
Separate service messages from promotions.

If this is unclear, treat it as a signal to ask the company for a plain-English explanation.

From our investigation

Opting out should actually work.

In the investigation, the gap between policy promises and real behaviour mattered. Marketing that continues after a clear opt-out is exactly that kind of gap.

What to do next

1
Opt out through every channel you can.

Keep it practical: take one action, save proof, and avoid giving more data than the task needs.

2
Save proof of opt-out and continued messages.

Keep it practical: take one action, save proof, and avoid giving more data than the task needs.

3
Complain to the company, and use telecom routes for spam calls and SMS.

Keep it practical: take one action, save proof, and avoid giving more data than the task needs.

People also ask

How do I stop promotional messages?

Use unsubscribe links, opt out of marketing, and register for DND for telecom spam.

What if messages continue after I opt out?

Keep proof and complain to the company, and use telecom or sector routes for persistent spam.

Are marketing and service messages the same?

No. Service messages relate to your account or order; marketing is promotional and should respect your opt-out.

If you are a company
Check your own website.

How many trackers run on your pages? Does your privacy policy name them? Can you answer a data-rights email? If you don't know, we can help you find out.

Talk to Meridian Bridge Strategy →
Your right under Indian law
Mera data mera hai.

Your personal data belongs to you. Under DPDP, every company must tell you what they have and delete it if you ask. One email is all it takes.

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Read the full investigation.

We investigated 107 Indian company websites. The public report shows what we found.

Read the reportTry the experience