5 October 2006

Improved safeguards for premium content on mobile phones

The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan today welcomed a new scheme from the mobile phone industry that will make it easier for people to unsubscribe from a premium service on a mobile phone, provide better protections for children against inappropriate content and ensure there is better information about the costs of premium mobile services.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) today approved the self-regulatory scheme submitted by the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association and the Australian Direct Marketing Association.

“It is important to have an effective scheme in place to address community concerns about aspects of new and emerging mobile premium services,” Senator Coonan said.

“This scheme is an example of how industry and Government can work together to protect consumers. It will require content providers to give consumers more information about the costs, terms and conditions of using mobile premium services, including how to unsubscribe from subscription services.”

The scheme was developed in response to Government and community concerns that with the continuing rise of mobile phone ownership, children may have broader access to material that is considered suitable only for adults.

“The Government remains firmly committed to protecting consumers, particularly children from inappropriate content whether it is over the mobile phone or the Internet,” Senator Coonan said.

“To complement legislated safeguards and regulatory and co-regulatory measures, the Government will continue to work with industry to ensure consumers are appropriately protected,” Senator Coonan said.

“I thank and congratulate industry on the cooperative and constructive manner in which they approached the creation and adoption of this scheme.”

All carriage service providers and content service providers who provide premium services must be signatories to the scheme and must abide by the decisions of an independent complaints handling body.

The scheme applies to all mobile premium services.

Details of the scheme can be found at www.commsalliance.com.au