Direct Marketing Opt-Out Letter: Free Template and What to Include

If you need to require organisation to stop processing data for direct marketing, a written letter is the recommended first step — it creates a clear record and shows you're pursuing the matter formally. Below is what a strong direct marketing opt-out letter should include.

What this letter needs to cover

• Reference Article 21 UK GDPR absolute right to object to direct marketing
• State this right must be honoured immediately
• Request written confirmation that data will no longer be used for marketing
• Note right to complain to ICO if the request is not honoured

Your absolute right to stop direct marketing

Unlike most data processing grounds, your right to object to direct marketing is absolute — an organisation cannot refuse or weigh it against their own interests once you've objected. This applies regardless of whether they originally had your consent or were relying on legitimate interests to contact you.

What to include before you send it

• A clear statement that you're objecting to your data being used for direct marketing purposes
• Confirmation of which organisation and, if relevant, which specific marketing channel (email, post, phone)
• A request for confirmation that marketing has stopped and your preference has been recorded
• A request that your data not be shared with third parties for marketing purposes going forward

What this doesn't stop

Objecting to marketing doesn't require an organisation to stop all contact — they can still send you service-related communications, such as order confirmations, account notices, or responses to your own enquiries, since these aren't marketing in the legal sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly should marketing stop after I object?
It should stop promptly — continuing to receive marketing well after a clear objection can itself be reported to the ICO.

Does this also cover marketing texts and calls?
Yes, and separate rules under PECR also specifically restrict unsolicited marketing calls and texts, giving you additional protection beyond UK GDPR alone.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Postcode]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Name of Organisation]
[Address Line 1]
[Address Line 2]
[Postcode]
[Date]

Dear [Name of Contact or "Data Protection Officer"],

Subject: Notice to Stop Direct Marketing (Right to Object)

I am writing to formally object to you using my personal data for direct marketing. This includes all marketing by email, post, text message and telephone.

Under Article 21 of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), I have an absolute right to object to the use of my personal data for direct marketing. Once you receive this notice, you must stop using my data for direct marketing.

Please remove my details from all your marketing lists. My details with you are:
• Account/Reference Number: [reference number]
• Registered Email Address: [registered email]
• Registered Phone Number: [registered phone number]

Please confirm in writing within one calendar month that you have done this. If you do not, I may complain to the Information Commissioner's Office.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]