Public Policy Issues in Direct and Digital Marketing – Concerns and Initiatives

Abstract

Companies require information about customers to understand them, know their preferences, and develop relationships with them. Companies employ a number of direct and digital marketing channels to collect information and intelligence about customers. Marketers adopt a number of unfair practices for collecting information through direct and digital marketing and this raises concerns about consumer privacy. The article discusses the various aspects of consumer privacy and the need for protecting consumer privacy. The article further focuses on the various regulations enforced by regulatory bodies and governments of countries to protect customers. Various initiatives taken by companies to protect customers are discussed. Direct and digital marketing channels allow companies to collect information and intelligence about customers and to influence them. However, companies should be sensitive to customer concerns. This will help companies in building long-term customer relationships.