Australia imposed new Code for telecommunication companies on Scam Calls and SMSes

Australia imposed a new Code on telecommunication companies to tackle scam calls and SMSes, mandating them to trace and block scam numbers, share information to identify scammers, and inform customers about services to prevent scams. Non-compliance may lead to penalties of up to $250,000.

The Australian Communication and Media Authority (ACMA) imposed new rules that oblige telecommunication companies to identify, trace, and block numbers associated with scam calls and SMSes. Telecommunication companies are now required to share information among them and with the authorities to identify scammers.

Essentially, the new code revised the ACMA 2020 Code for combating scam SMSes. It aims to ensure that telecommunications companies assist and inform their customers about the services they receive and thus prevent them from scam calls and SMSes.

In case of non-compliance, telecommunications companies could face penalties of up to $250,000.