In recent months, residents of Spain have increasingly faced persistent calls from companies offering various services or insurance. Despite stricter regulations, the flow of unwanted contacts shows no sign of abating. Many people receive dozens of calls and messages daily, which disrupt both work and leisure. In response to citizen complaints, the police reminded the public about two free tools that can help manage communications and block spam.
The first is the so-called ‘Lista Robinson’ (Lista Robinson). This is a special registry where anyone can enter their information and specify which types of advertising they do not wish to receive. The service makes it possible to block not just phone calls, but also emails, SMS, and even postal mail. Registration is simple: just fill out a form on the official website and confirm your choice by email. For children under 14, the application must be submitted by parents or guardians.
New options
The second tool is the Stop Publicidad system, which has been operating in Spain since the end of January 2025. Supported by the Agencia Española de Protección de Datos (AEPD), it is designed to enable users to fully opt out of advertising, not only by phone but also on social networks and messaging apps. The service was developed by the Asociación Española para la Privacidad Digital and is now part of the updated telecommunications law.
Stop Publicidad allows you to quickly and conveniently manage your preferences. Users can choose which communication channels they want to block and can change their settings or remove their data from the system at any time. This is especially relevant for those tired of constant advertising attacks and looking to protect their personal data.
How it works
Both services are free, but their effects are not immediate. After registering with the Robinson List or Stop Publicidad, it may take one to three months before the number of advertising calls and messages noticeably decreases. During this period, companies are required to check their databases against these registries and remove from their mailing lists anyone who has opted out of receiving ads.
Users can change their preferences, update their contact information, or completely withdraw from the services at any time. This gives individuals full control over who can contact them for advertising purposes and how. It’s important to note that companies who disregard these registries may face fines and penalties from regulators.
Rights and Responsibilities
According to the new regulations, all organizations engaged in mass mailings are required to verify data against the Robinson List and Stop Publicidad before launching any advertising campaign. Violating this requirement is considered a serious offense and may result in administrative liability. For citizens, this means additional protection from unwanted contacts and the ability to respond quickly to violations of their rights.
If spam calls continue after three months, it is recommended to file a complaint with the Data Protection Agency. They will help investigate the situation and take action against violators. It is also important to keep evidence of unwanted calls or messages—this will speed up the review of your complaint.
If you weren’t aware, the Robinson List has been active in Spain for more than ten years and is popular among those who value their privacy. The Stop Publicidad system, introduced in 2025, aims to strengthen oversight of digital advertising. The Data Protection Agency (AEPD) is the government body responsible for upholding citizens’ rights in the area of personal data. The Digital Privacy Association promotes modern standards of security and information protection in Spain.
