Nine months after announcing plans for a Sender ID Registry to combat SMS spam, the Australian government has launched a consultation. The aim is to determine whether participation for telecommunications companies (telcos) should be mandatory or voluntary.
The scheme, allocated $10.9 million in the 2023 federal budget, aims to create a controlled list of authorized sender IDs for registered brands. This would prevent scammers from impersonating legitimate businesses as carriers would block unregistered messages.
A pilot program launched in December 2023 with Telstra, Optus, TPG Telecom, and Pivotel participating. Initially involving Commonwealth Bank and National Australia Bank, it has since expanded to include Services Australia and the Australian Tax Office, as confirmed by ACMA chair Neridah O’Loughlin at a recent senate hearing.
ACMA general manager consumer James Fenton emphasized the pilot’s objective of enhancing existing provider capabilities, ensuring data consistency, and establishing a secure central database. He also revealed plans to incorporate brands frequently targeted by scammers.
However, the question of mandatory or voluntary participation, according to Fenton in a June 2023 senate hearing, remains an obstacle to broader implementation. The proposed rules would require telcos to verify the legitimacy of bulk branded SMS senders, addressing the issue of non-compliance identified in 44 audits.
“We are committed to a national rollout of the registry that benefits both Australians and businesses,” stated communications minister Michelle Rowland. “We encourage feedback from all stakeholders to inform the next phase of this initiative.”
The consultation period is open until March 20, 2024, with submissions accepted through email and a dedicated survey. Public input will be instrumental in shaping the final design and implementation of the Sender ID Registry.
