The do-not-call registers for the UK, Ireland and beyond
Most English-speaking countries have some official way to opt out of marketing calls. Knowing the exact name and the real website matters, because plenty of copycat sites charge for something that is free. Here are the genuine ones.
United Kingdom: the Telephone Preference Service (TPS)
The TPS is the UK's only official opt-out register for unsolicited live sales and marketing calls, covering both landlines and mobiles. The official site is tpsonline.org.uk; you can also register by phone on 0345 070 0707, or text TPS and your email address to 85095.
Registration is free and takes roughly 28 days to take full effect. Once you are on it, UK organisations are legally barred from cold-calling you for marketing under the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations, enforced by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
Ireland: the National Directory Database (NDD) opt-out
Ireland does not have a public website you self-register on. Instead you ask your phone provider to record your opt-out preference on the National Directory Database (NDD), overseen by ComReg. Your provider must apply it within five working days.
Importantly, Irish mobile numbers are opted out of direct marketing calls by default, so the NDD opt-out is most relevant for landlines. See comreg.ie for the official guidance.
Other English-speaking markets
Several countries run similar registers: New Zealand has the Telemarketing Do Not Call list run by the Marketing Association. South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya do not operate a single universal consumer do-not-call register in the same way; protection there relies more on data-protection law and your operator's blocking tools.
Wherever you are, a register only restrains law-abiding marketers, never criminals. That is why pairing it with on-device call filtering matters. Allociao screens suspicious and premium-rate numbers automatically, picking up where the register leaves off.
FAQ
Is there ever a charge to register?
No. The UK TPS and the Irish NDD opt-out are free. If a site asks for payment to add you, it is not the official service.
How long until it works?
The UK TPS takes about 28 days; the Irish NDD opt-out is applied by your provider within five working days.
Does a register block scam calls?
No. It only stops legitimate marketing. Fraudsters ignore it, so you still need call filtering for genuine protection.