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Australia and the United Kingdom will work together more closely to combat unsolicited and scam calls and texts under a new agreement signed by its concerned agencies.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) signed a strategic memorandum of understanding in London this week that will see them share intelligence, assist each other in appropriate investigations and coordinate enforcement against cross-border entities.
Research conducted by the ACMA in 2021 found that 98 per cent of Australians received some form of unsolicited communication, and around eight in ten are negatively impacted by it.
Last week alone, ACMA has slapped penalties on a trader for sending out gambling-related messages with no option to unsubscribe.
In case you missed it: ACMA slaps $50K penalty on trader for spamming practices
ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin said the agreement builds on the already strong strategic and working relationship between the ACMA and ICO in the regulation of unsolicited communications.
“Unwanted calls, texts, and scams are international problems and cross border collaboration is an important part of the solution,” O’Loughlin said.
“This agreement will see us working with our UK counterparts to crack down on unlawful calls and messages, particularly when cross border issues are involved.”
UK Information Commissioner John Edwards expressed optimism that the new deal will make a difference when it comes to addressing the proliferation of scam calls and texts in both countries.
“I’m pleased the MoU reaffirms our collaborative efforts to protect people against the misuse of their personal data for unlawful electronic marketing practices. The ICO and the ACMA face common challenges in stopping companies from plaguing people’s lives with unlawful calls and text messages, and this MoU will help us remain effective in our mission.”
Related: Media watchdog ACMA fines company $100,000 for unlawful calls
Paulo Rizal is a content producer for Comms Room. He writes content around popular media, journalism, social media, and more.
