A new amendment to the Israeli Communications Law prohibits the sending of commercial material by electronic means, such as emails, faxes, automated telephone systems and cellular text messages (SMS), unless a prior consent is provided by the addressee of such material. The prior consent may be given in writing (including email) or via an automated phone system, and a person may revoke his consent at any time with no prior conditions or requirements (such as fee or otherwise), in the same manner in which the consent was originally given.

For purposes of this amendment, commercial material is generally required to comply with specific rules, such as stating that it is an “advertisement”, including the advertiser’s details and the contact details for refusing to receive future material.

A breach of the law may result in both criminal and civil liability, including compensation without proving actual damages and the right to file a class action.