ACMA joins forces with UK’s Office of Communications to combat scam and spam

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has partnered with the UK’s Office of Communications (Ofcom) to combat phone scams, spam, and unsolicited calls plaguing the two countries.

The new ‘Framework for Practical Cooperation’ will facilitate mutual assistance and information sharing to achieve consumer outcomes, after a startling $83 million in consumer losses has been reported to Scamwatch thus far in 2024.

Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, deploying new and emerging technologies to target Australians, according to ACMA, so collaborating at an international level to combat this is becoming increasingly important.

Nerida O’Loughlin, ACMA Chair, said the agreement between the two regulators would enhance the efforts already made by both.

“The ACMA is committed to tackling scams, a problem which countries across the world struggle with,” O’Loughlin said.

“Partnering with Ofcom is just another way we are protecting consumers and safeguarding the integrity of telecommunications networks here in Australia and globally.”

Dame Melanie Dawes, Ofcom’s chief executive, added: “The digital world is a small place. Criminal gangs can try to scam you from any country through the phone in your pocket.

“Today’s agreement sends a message – regulators, governments, police and companies are working together to fight fraud on a global scale.”

The agreement complements the existing relationship ACMA has with the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office, which also plays a key role in combatting unsolicited communications.

ACMA has also said it supports the Australian government’s ‘Fighting Scams’ initiative to address online fraud and protect Australians from financial harm.

It also supports the work of the National Anti-Scam Centre, which coordinates government, law enforcement, and the private sector to combat scams.

Some of Australia’s largest brands have been penalised in recent years for spam breaches, including Pizza Hut, Kmart, Uber, CommBank, Optus, and Woolworths.

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Lauren McNamara

Lauren McNamara is the associate editor at Mumbrella, covering the creative and PR beat. She joined in November 2022 as editorial assistant, after completing a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) at UTS.

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topics ACMA Australian Communications and Media Authority Dame Melanie Dawes Nerida O'Loughlin Ofcom Office of Communications

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