In many cases, companies that flood inboxes with unwanted messages obtain personal data from users when they fill out surveys to get club cards, sign up for affiliate programs, or join loyalty apps, and even when purchasing online. The user often provides a phone number or email address directly. Data can also come from leaked databases or insiders on shady forums. Experts from the Roskachestvo Center for Digital Expertise, working with legal professionals, examined privacy policies to see how to unsubscribe from advertising and spoke with socialbites.ca about their findings.
According to Nikita Kulikov, a candidate of legal sciences and the general manager of ANO PravoRobotov, people typically agree to promotional communications by default when signing contracts and agreeing to terms of service.
He explains that after data is collected for activities like an online marathon or fitness registration under 152-FZ, coaches or clubs cannot use that data for purposes other than those declared. Yet if a company states in its Privacy Policy that it may send advertisements about its services or that it shares information with “partners of the company,” often this means newsletters from third parties. Entering into a data processing agreement with the Operator does not automatically violate the law, Kulikov notes. This nuance means advertising messages can be sent within the scope of the stated purposes, provided the policy allows it.
When surveys and in-person registrations happen face to face, it is wise to tell the service representative right away that advertising mail is not welcome. If the activity is online, readers should look for a section on promotional mail in the Privacy Policy and click “unsubscribe.” If such a clause is missing, the person should contact the organization directly and send a written decline. This practical approach helps reduce unwanted communications and protects personal preferences.
Another route to reduce spam is to involve the mobile operator. People can unsubscribe from marketing messages or enable spam blocking services, and modern smartphones offer smart blocking options. If an unsolicited message appears in the messaging menu, the user can simply choose to block it. This immediate action can curb persistent outreach from unknown numbers.
Kulikov also emphasizes that regardless of whether there is a prior data processing contract, advertisers are obliged to stop contact and spamming at a person’s first request. If the responses are ineffective, a formal complaint to the Federal Antitrust Service can be filed. Based on the evidence, an administrative action may follow. This pathway provides a regulatory lever for individuals who feel overwhelmed by promotional outreach, and it helps reinforce the boundaries between advertisers and consumers. Sergei Gebel, a veteran in business law, echoes this stance and notes that enforcement actions can be triggered when a pattern of violations is demonstrated.
Roskachestvo and its security experts point out that it is often difficult to establish a direct link between the data left with one organization and subsequent aggressive spam. This uncertainty underscores the importance of carefully reading privacy notices and understanding what data is collected and how it may be used for marketing purposes. The consent form in a privacy policy usually outlines these terms, but the nuance lies in how the policy is worded and what it permits. A careful reader can identify the key points that show how to unsubscribe from marketing emails and what rights exist to limit data processing, which can lead to calmer, less intrusive communications. Sergey Kuzmenko, head of information security at the Roskachestvo Center for Digital Expertise, stresses the practical approach: focus on the actual data collected and the explicit channels through which it may be used, then decide how to respond to marketing communications based on those terms.
Experts note that the broad danger often lies not in a single data point but in how seemingly innocuous details can be collated and exploited by marketers. The privacy policy is the user’s primary tool for understanding what can be done with the data and how to opt out of marketing communications. The guidance is practical: read the policy, identify the main data items collected, and determine whether there is an option to withdraw consent or unsubscribe. In the end, the product or service is offered under the terms set by the developer or owner, and consent forms are meant to reflect those terms. If the user wants to minimize marketing messages, the strategy is straightforward—know the policy, use the unsubscribe feature when available, and exercise rights when needed. This approach helps keep the relationship with digital services transparent and manageable. Previously, discussions in the Digital Economy League highlighted the key risks associated with chatbots and data use, reinforcing the broader message about awareness and control in the digital economy.