PECR

Data protection and marketing law are two separate regimes. Complying with UK GDPR does not mean complying with PECR.

PECR governs electronic marketing specifically, and its consent rules are stricter than the general lawful basis rules. A charity can have a valid lawful basis under UK GDPR and still be prohibited from sending the email under PECR.

From February 2026 charities gained a soft opt-in for electronic mail, subject to conditions. See marketing consent.