Who we are

The Unsolicited Communications Enforcement Network (UCENet) is a global network of agencies and organisations engaged in combatting unsolicited communications. Our purpose is to advance global consumer protection through cooperation, information sharing and action.

The creation of UCENet from the London Action Plan (LAP)

As a result of consultation with LAP members in 2016, in order to better reflect the aims of the LAP network and the type of work that the LAP does, agreement was obtained to change the name of the network to UCENet as of 9 September 2016. Whilst the LAP served members and the broader internet community well since its inception in 2004, the internet has changed, and the new name was chosen to reflect the network going forward. For information about the LAP see History of the LAP.

UCENet comprises:

• The UCENet Executive Committee is made up of seven agencies, with attention given to geographic diversity and representation, and responsible for providing strategic direction and oversight of UCENet activities.
• The Secretariat provides administrative, technical and operational support to the UCENet Executive Committee and the UCENet working groups/ committees. The Secretariat Support Group (SSG) comprises at least 3 representatives among the membership.
• A dedicated working group of members for each priority area. Members are regulators, law enforcement and other government bodies with a mandate to promote and enforce compliance, as well as industry working to prevent unsolicited communications and other abuse. Each working group is co-chaired by at least two members. For more information about the priority areas see a vision for the future.

UCENet operates on the basis of consensus. New members are admitted after a review of their role, activities, and potential contribution to the network.

UCENet members meet once annually face-to-face, generally in a conference setting. Regular teleconference calls also take place to connect authorities to share experience and build expertise, as well as to discuss various UCENet activities, projects, and upcoming meetings.

UCENet activities include:

• Sharing information and intelligence to identify risks and opportunities for enforcement action and/or prevention.
• Sharing of effective intelligence and investigative techniques and enforcement strategies.
• Exploration of similarities and differences in procedural, substantive and evidentiary rules to address challenges to cooperation.
• Facilitation of coordination of compliance sweeps involving multiple authorities.
• Cooperation with other organizations or networks involved with related activities.
• Sharing insights with countries implementing new regulatory regime programs.
• Posting relevant content to the UCENet website, such as enforcement and compliance outcomes and initiatives.
• Expanding membership.
• Communications and marketing.
• Training sessions on voice and spam related matters with non-governmental advisors, such as representatives from industry, academia, international organizations and professional associations.