We previously reported that a new Code of Conduct for Premium Rate Services (“PRS”) was due to come into force on 5 June 2012. This Code of Conduct imposes significant new obligations on providers of PRS and compliance with the Code is a condition of obtaining a PRS licence.

On 31 May 2012, a number of PRS providers successfully applied to the High Court for a stay on the implementation of certain sections of the Code. The effect of the High Court order is that the new Code of Conduct came into effect, but not in its entirety. A full hearing challenging the relevant sections of the Code will follow.

The sections of the Code of Conduct which have not come into force relate to a limited number of provisions on the promotion of PRS, the new “double opt-in” requirement for subscription services and the new provision on the termination of virtual text chat services.

Contributed by Claire Waterson.

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