Optus penalised $1.5 million for ‘alarming’ public safety failures
Optus has been hit with a heavy fine after the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) found large-scale breaches of public safety rules.
On Wednesday, ACMA revealed that Optus has been forced to pay a $1,501,500 penalty after it was found to have left nearly 200,000 mobile customers (supplied under the Coles Mobile and Catch Connect brands) at risk by failing to upload required customer information to the Integrated Public Number Database (IPND) between January 2021 and September 2023.
The IPND is used by the likes of the Emergency Alert service to warn Australians of disasters such as flood and bushfires, and by Triple Zero.
The investigation commenced after compliance audit found that Optus had failed to upload data via its outsourced supplier, Prvidr Pty Ltd.
“When emergency services are hindered there can be very serious consequences for the safety of Australians,” ACMA member Samantha Yorke said.
“While we are not aware of anyone being directly harmed due to the non-compliance in this case, it’s alarming that Optus placed so many customers in this position for so long.
“Optus cannot outsource its obligations, even if part of the process is being undertaken by a third party.
“All telcos need to have systems in place that ensure they are meeting their obligations, including having robust oversight and assurance processes for third-party suppliers.”
More to come.
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Wouldn’t classify $1.5m as heavy!
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