A deal between the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and the Info-communications Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA) will see Australia and Singapore work together to combat unwanted calls and messages.
The two agencies will be encouraged to collaborate more and share information under the new strategic agreement, which will also help with investigations and ensuring that both nations’ telecommunications rules are followed.
The 2020 Australia-Singapore Digital Economy Agreement is complemented by this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which will strengthen regional trade and commerce.
This agreement builds on similar ones the ACMA has reached with regulatory partners in the United States, Canada, and New Zealand.
Read here: Australia, New Zealand unite to combat phone scams (commsroom.co)
Australia-US to collaborate in fight against phone scams – CommsRoom
According to a 2021 ACMA study, 98% of Australians experienced some kind of unsolicited message.
The majority of unwelcome communications were scam calls, which 4 out of 10 Australians reported getting at least monthly.
Nerida O’Loughlin, chair of the ACMA, expressed her pleasure at the opportunity to further solidify the ACMA’s productive collaboration with the IMDA.
O’Loughlin said, “Almost every Australian is impacted by unwanted calls, SMS and emails, and we know that many of our international colleagues are dealing with the same issues.”
The ACMA Chair is optimistic that the agreement will forge closer ties between Australia and Singapore in cracking down on unsolicited telemarketing, calls, and messages, “particularly when cross-border issues are involved.”
You may also want to read: ACMA eyes SMS scams, misinformation in 2022-23 compliance priorities (commsroom.co)
Meanwhile, IMDA Chief Executive Lew Chuen Hong believes that the MOU will benefit the citizens of both countries and increase trust in our telecommunication systems.
He said, “This MOU is an important step for the international community to join forces and tackle this issue decisively.”
Source: The Australian Communications and Media Authority
Jaw de Guzman is the content producer for Comms Room, a knowledge platform and website aimed at assisting the communications industry and its professionals.
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