The Australian Communications Authority has published a new code of conduct, designed to cut down on unsolicited SMS messages, known as SMS Spam. The code was developed by the Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF).
It requires carriers and carriage service providers to comply with a set of rules for sending marketing messages using SMS and to advise the originators of the messages about those rules. Under the code, SMS marketers will not be able to send messages to consumers unless they agree to "opt in". Consumers will also be able to "opt-out" at any time using an identifier which must be included in every SMS marketing message.ACA Chairman Tony Shaw said registration of the code meant that industry participants who did not abide by it may be directed to comply by the ACA. They faced significant financial penalties if they failed to comply with a direction. Mr Shaw said concern about this type of unsolicited marketing had increased because of the rapid growth in the use of short message service in Australia."In line with that growth, SMS marketing is becoming increasingly popular among suppliers because it can be so targeted," he said, adding that "this new code strengthens protection for mobile users from unsolicited SMS marketing."You can read the full paper here - http://www.aca.gov.au/telcomm/industry_codes/codes/c580.pdf"Posted to the site on 16th June 2003
Posted to: www.cellular-news.com/story/9064.php