Spam

About spam

Under the Spam Act 2003 it is illegal to send, or cause to be sent, unsolicited commercial electronic messages. The Act covers email, instant messaging, SMS and MMS (text and image-based mobile phone messaging) of a commercial nature. It does not cover faxes, internet pop-ups or voice telemarketing.

The ACMA is responsible for enforcing the Spam Act and actively works to fight spam in Australia. This section of the ACMA’s website provides practical information and handy tips on how you can reduce and help to fight spam.

Spam is a generic term used to describe electronic 'junk mail' – unwanted messages sent to a person's email account or mobile phone.

The ACMA plays an important role in e-Security in Australia, gathering evidence and assisting in protecting Australians from computer fraud and identity theft. The ACMA also regulates internet content issues, deals with internet content complaints and provides information about mobile premium services.

Successful e-marketing...it’s about reputation

The Australian Communications and Media Authority has launched a new campaign aimed at assisting businesses that use e-marketing to more successfully promote their businesses, while complying with the Spam Act. The campaign, Successful e-marketing...it’s about reputation, offers useful information and advice to e-marketers, showing that e-marketing should not be a numbers game and that compliance with the Spam Act can go a long way to enhance an organisation’s reputation.

e-marketing blog

What is the e-marketing blog?

The blog deals with different issues facing e-marketers, providing information about their obligations, as well as advice for making the most of their e-marketing campaigns.

To read or subscribe to the e-marketing blog.

Where can I find more information?

The following links include information for consumers and businesses about spam in Australia:

• Spam SMS – Registration and Frequently Asked Questions
• Frequently asked questions about spam
• Understanding spam
• Avoiding spam
• Ensuring that you don’t spam
• Protecting yourself online
• Lodging a complaint
• The Spam Act and Codes of Practice
• How the ACMA is fighting spam
• Current scams
• Information for ISPs and ESPs

Recent findings

May 2012

• The ACMA issues a formal warning to Global Billing Solutions Pty Ltd for sending messages without consent and an unsubscribe facility, in breach of the Spam Act. More ...