How to put an end to the advertising calls you receive every day

For most mobile and landline subscribers, unwanted calls have in recent months become a constant nuisance. From early in the morning until late at night, even during inappropriate hours and days, we receive phone calls from companies trying to promote their products—usually electricity services, telecom packages, and various other offerings. Yet these are services none of us requested.

In 2018, when Greece’s deadline to comply with the European Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) expired, many believed that calls from call centers promoting such products would cease. However, despite the stricter legal framework, it was already apparent that companies operating in the “grey zone” would not stop selling or promoting products over the phone.

What do we mean by “grey zone”?

This refers to a field from which data used for advertising calls are sourced. A call-center representative making random calls can claim they are not violating personal-data rules because they do not know who the number belongs to and therefore cannot link the number to an identifiable person.

Is there any protection against this?

Yes. Registering in the “Registry 11”—that is, under Article 11 of Law 3471/2006—is the only effective way for a citizen to stop receiving advertising calls on their landline or mobile phone.

What is “Registry 11” and how do you sign up

It is essentially a list that every electronic communications provider must maintain, recording the details of subscribers who have requested not to receive telephone calls for direct marketing or advertising purposes. To register in this registry—and thereby remove yourself from the above-mentioned “grey zone”—you must contact your provider by following this procedure:

Subscribers may:
a) submit an application electronically or at a branch of their provider;
b) call the provider’s dedicated five-digit customer-service number; or
c) send an email following the “Registry 11” instructions provided on the provider’s website.

It may take up to 30 days for your registration request to be completed.

Once you are registered, companies that promote products must exclude your number when generating their final call lists using special software. If they fail to do so, they may face administrative fines from the Hellenic Data Protection Authority. Additionally, individuals can file lawsuits or criminal complaints seeking compensation for violations of personal-data laws.

It should be noted, however, that inclusion in this registry does not protect subscribers from companies or call centers operating—or appearing to operate—abroad, such as those behind recent calls from Poland, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Italy, and other countries.

Blocking hidden numbers and call barring

Subscribers may also request that their provider block all calls with hidden caller ID. Anyone calling with a concealed number will hear a “busy” tone.
If the nuisance continues, subscribers can request temporary activation of caller-ID display to file a complaint or take legal action.

COSMOTE procedure for Registry 11 registration

Fixed or mobile customers may register their number by:

1. submitting a request at any COSMOTE or GERMANOS store
2. calling 13888 (Residential Customers) or 13818 (Business Customers)
3. submitting an online request via the contact form
4. using the COSMOTE/What’s Up/Frog mobile app under “Subscriber Profile → Personal Data → Advertising Communications”
5. visiting [www.cosmote.gr](http://www.cosmote.gr) under My Cosmote → “Frequent Options” → “Personal Data” → “Advertising Communication”

According to COSMOTE, although the request is recorded immediately in their system, advertisers typically check the registry at monthly intervals. As a result, you may still receive advertising calls for a short period after registration. For example, if you register on 15/3 but an advertiser downloaded the registry on 13/3, your number will not yet appear as protected in their list.

VODAFONE procedure for Registry 11 registration

1. Subscribers can register or deregister through:
2. the My Vodafone / My CU app or online account
3. calling customer service (13830 or 1399)
4. visiting a Vodafone store
5. sending an email to [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) with the subject “Registration/Deregistration in Registry 11,” including subscriber details (full name, ID number, address, VAT number), attaching a copy of their ID, and selecting one of the following:
   (a) CONTACT ONLY BY VF
   (b) CONTACT BY EVERYONE
   (c) CONTACT BY NO ONE

NOVA procedure for Registry 11 registration

Subscribers who do not wish to receive advertising calls may:

1. contact Nova Customer Service
2. visit a Nova store
3. send a signed written request with a copy of their ID or passport via Live Chat or by mail to:
   Nova MAE, 106 Athinon Ave., Athens, Attica, 10442

Subscribers may also later request deregistration using the same methods.