Proposed changes to the SMS sender ID register

Scammers use alphanumeric sender IDs (shortened brand or agency names in message headers that appear at the top of messages, like ‘NAB’, ‘ATO’, ‘CBA’) to impersonate well-known brands or entities, to gain consumer trust and trick them into giving personal information or money.

The Minister for Communications has directed the ACMA to make an industry standard. We are now responsible for implementing the SMS sender ID register to protect consumers from these types of scams. 

We conducted a first round of consultation on the draft Telecommunications (SMS Sender ID Register) Industry Standard 2025 in March and April. After considering submissions, we proposed to refine the draft standard to enable international and Australian entities without an ABN to participate in the register. The ACMA now seeks your views on the proposed changes.

We anticipate the register will go live by 15 December 2025. As such, it is unlikely we can extend the cutoff time for submissions. We encourage interested parties to contact us as soon as possible if you have questions regarding your submission.

We welcome your comments on the issues raised in the consultation paper by 5 pm (AEST) on Wednesday 13 August 2025.