MBlox Fined for Sending SMS Spam

Mobile billing provider, mBlox has paid a penalty of AU$11,000 (US$7,153) after the Australian Communications and Media Authority issued it with an infringement notice for alleged contraventions of the Spam Act 2003.

ACMA alleged that mBlox sent a significant number of commercial electronic messages promoting a premium ringtone download service to mobile phones, on behalf of a premium mobile content provider, without providing notification of how to unsubscribe from the subscription.

"The global nature of mobile communications means all international businesses using SMS for marketing in the Australian market need to be aware of their obligations under the Spam Act, irrespective of where that operator is based," said Chris Chapman, ACMA Chairman.

"Also, many Australians may not be aware that SMS-based commercial messages must comply with the Spam Act. As is the case with emails offering products or services, commercial SMS messages must be sent with the recipientÃ's consent, have clear and accurate sender identification, and notification of a functioning unsubscribe mechanism," he added.

Posted to the site on 30th October 2008