A required sender ID registry is being pushed by Australian banks, organizations that have been victimized by SMS scammers. Also, telecom firms that are in charge of monitoring and combating scams. The government hasn’t decided on anything yet.
The government announced an interim step by introducing legislation to grant the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) the authority to establish and manage an SMS sender ID registry.
Since December 2023, a limited pilot has been in operation, but telecom companies argue that broader business involvement is essential, which requires legislative support. The key decision now is whether participation will be mandatory or voluntary for Australian organizations.
Despite 89 percent of industry feedback supporting mandatory registration of SMS sender IDs, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland did not specify the government’s direction. She stated that the legislation is the initial step in creating the register and that the government is considering all consultation submissions to determine if the register should be voluntary or mandatory, including cost and implementation details.Rowland stressed that the register’s goal is to prevent copying of well-known brand names. In the meanwhile, to increase the difficulty for con artists operating in Australia.
The sender ID register was initially scheduled to be launched as part of the government’s 2023–24 budget. They are giving the effort $10 million spread over four years. To determine whether the program would be voluntary or required, a pilot was started.
NAB, Australia Post, Commonwealth Bank, Optus, and TPG all strongly supported a mandatory registry for companies. Through the register, telecommunications firms would be able to confirm the legitimacy of messages sent under a brand name and ban those that are not.
