Australia’s current voluntary, Code-based Internet of Things (IoT) regulatory framework offers consumers minimal protection, and there are limited market-based incentives for Australian IoT device manufacturers to fill this void.
Australian consumers need an enforceable Internet of Things regulatory framework that relieves consumers of sole responsibility for their privacy and security and holds IoT device manufacturers accountable for the operation and outcomes of their products. This statement sets out key areas that ACCAN believes should be improved for an effective Australian Internet of Things regulatory regime.
The summary below outlines ACCAN’s activities from 1 December 2021 – 28 February 2022
Laptop computers - Tasmania
The opinion piece below was written by ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett for the Canberra Times and Australian Community Media about draft anti-scams legislation. It was originally published on 27 September 2024.
Australians lost $2.7 billion to scams in 2023. These are scams we know about - the true losses are likely to be far greater.
The federal government has recently published draft scams prevention legislation (the Scams Prevention Framework), which will be put to the Parliament this year.
Read more: The government's scams prevention legislation has one critical flaw
Write comment (0 Comments)Australia’s peak communications consumer body, ACCAN, welcomes the government’s announcement that requirements will be placed upon major mobile carriers to significantly expand mobile coverage across the country.
Read more: At last - a boost to consumer telco connectivity, choice and safety
ACCAN recently submitted to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)’s consultation on the ‘Public inquiry to vary the final access determination for the superfast broadband access service’.
University of Sydney researcher, Dr Justine Humphry, surveyed and interviewed a number of Australians experiencing homelessness as well as employees of homelessness service providers. This resulted in a comprehensive report into the internet and mobile phone usage habits and experiences of this group of Australians.
The full report, including further information, can be found on the ACCAN Grants Scheme webpage.
The Universal Service Obligation (USO) is a vital consumer protection in Australia. The USO ensures a standard telephone service (generally fixed line voice services) and pay phones are accessible to all people in Australia. It was formally introduced in 1991, but it has seen a number of changes over the years.
Sky Muster will also be used to deliver services in partnership with educational, community and healthcare service providers.
For example, educational services will be delivered in partnership with State and Territory Departments of Education. The process for connecting will differ depending on the body delivering the service.
My child receives distance education, what service will they receive and when?
Premises with geographically isolated children who receive distance education and are in Sky Muster designated areas, may be eligible to receive a second service to their premises which offers an additional 50GB per month per student (up to 150GB for 3 students - special arrangements may be made for sites with more than 3 students).
Your RSP will be able to verify the process required to place an application. Arrangements are on a state and territory basis.
There are currently four providers offering education services over Sky Muster. You can choose between two speed tiers (12/1Mbps and 25/5Mbps) and port options (all children's education through the same port or different ports).
Is this available for other education services, such as university?
No, educational services will only be available to distance education school children.
The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) is Australia’s peak communications consumer organisation representing individuals, small businesses and not-for-profit groups as consumers of communications products and services. ACCAN focuses on goods and services encompassed by the converged areas of telecommunications, broadcasting, the internet and online services, including both current and emerging technologies.
We aim to empower consumers to make good choices about products and services. As a peak body, ACCAN will represent the views of its broad and diverse membership base to policy makers, government and industry to get a better outcome for all communications consumers. Member groups include community legal centres, disability advocates, indigenous organisations, financial counsellors, regional organisations, farmers’ federations, parents groups, seniors organisations and other individual members.
The operation of ACCAN is made possible by funding provided by the Commonwealth of Australia under section 593 of the Telecommunications Act 1997. This funding is recovered from charges on telecommunications carriers.
ACCAN administers a Grant Program as part of its funding agreement with the Commonwealth Department of Communications. The aims of the Program are to support consumer research and representation that is aligned with ACCAN’s strategic plan.