The ACMA has established a Scam Technology Project to explore practical technical solutions to address the proliferation of scam calls over Australian telecommunications networks.
'Scam calls are more than a nuisance. They pose a real threat, particularly to those in vulnerable circumstances such as older people,' said ACMA Chair Nerida O'Loughlin.
"This project will investigate what can be done to disrupt scam call activity, including possible consumer or network-based solutions like call blocking and network traffic authentication protocols,' Ms O'Loughlin said.
The project will be assisted by a reference group with representatives from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the Australian Cyber Security Centre. It will also tap into industry expertise and experience.
The project responds to ACMA research, which found that more than half of Australian adults have received scam calls daily or weekly. Three quarters of Australian adults believe not enough is done to protect individuals from scam calls.
ACMA's new consumer research also found that:
- two in five people are more concerned about telemarketing than five years ago
- four out of five people believe they didn't have an existing relationship with the telemarketer who last called and were confused about how or if their consent was obtained to receive telemarketing calls.
The ACMA has recently imposed significant penalties for breaches of the telemarketing and spam rules as part of its targeted compliance campaign.
'The level of consumer concern about unwanted telemarketing supports the strong enforcement action the ACMA is taking. The ACMA remains concerned about how these sectors deal with consumers, particularly how they obtain consent. We will continue to keep a close eye and take further action where warranted,' added Ms O'Loughlin.
The research informs an ACMA report to the Minister for Communications and the Arts concerning Australia's telemarketing and spam rules, also released today.
Help reduce unwanted communications:
- report breaches to the ACMA
- reduce telemarketing by putting your number on the Do Not Call Register
- report scams to the ACCC's Scamwatch
