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This week
IN THE NEWS: Direct Debit a problem for vulnerable consumers, Applications opening for new $10 million grants fund to prevent tech-based abuse of women and more
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Recent research conducted by the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN), in partnership with the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC), has found that direct debit is a problem for some consumers, particularly for those who are living week to week. A thriving and competitive communications market is characterised by a variety of free payment options that reflect consumer preferences. However, some payment options may place unfair financial risk on consumers. [ACCAN media release]
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The Australian Government is calling for applications to fund innovative projects that help put a stop to technology-based abuse against women under a new $10 million grants program. The Preventing Tech-based Abuse of Women Grants Program is led by the eSafety Commissioner as part of the National Plan to end violence against women and children 2022-32. [Minister Rowland media release]
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Telstra and Optus are opposing an Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) proposal to let miners use low-band radio spectrum for underground communications. The two telcos are worried that if the ACMA relaxes the “low interference potential device (LIPD) class license” definitions, in this case for underground communications in the 700MHz, 800MHz and 900MHz frequency band, it could result in interference to mobile networks operating in the same bands. [itnews]
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Flashpoint, a globally trusted leader in risk intelligence, has released a new report on the State of Australia’s Cyberthreat Intelligence – a first-of-its-kind data-driven analysis of emerging security and intelligence trends impacting organizations across the public and private sectors. [Intelligent CIO]
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The Regional Connectivity Program (RCP) is a grants program funding the delivery of 'place-based' telecommunications infrastructure projects to improve digital connectivity across regional, rural and remote Australia. Under the RCP Rounds 1 and 2, the Government’s commitment of $230 million (GST exclusive) has generated a total investment of around $413 million (GST exclusive) to deliver 223 telecommunications projects in regional, rural and remote Australia. [Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts]
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A leading Australian cyber security expert says it is time to stop playing “whack-a-mole” with one social media app and instead evaluate them all. TikTok has been at the centre of a debate around data privacy for some time, with its CEO even appearing in front of the United States Congress. Following advice from national security and intelligence agencies, the federal government has banned TikTok on government devices. Victoria has followed suit. They join the likes of the US, UK and New Zealand in doing so. [The New Daily]
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The Australian Government’s response to the House of Representatives Inquiry into Social Media and Online Safety has been tabled by the Minister for Communications. The response comprehensively outlines the Government’s holistic online safety agenda and three immediate priorities. [Minister Rowland media release]
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The ACMA has published a snapshot of social casinos, providing insights into consumer habits and industry trends for this growing market. Social casinos provide online casino-style games without offering the ability to win real money. They are typically free to download and play but users can spend real money on in-game purchases. The report shows Australia was in the top five markets by consumer spend as of the first half of 2022. [ACMA news article]
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The Tasmanian Government says it may have lost data in a breach effected by a Windows ransomware gang through a file-sharing service known as GoAnywhere MFT. In a statement, Science and Technology Minister Madeleine Ogilvie said the security of government information and the safety of Tasmanians remained of paramount importance. The attack was announced on Friday by the government, more than a week after it was first made aware of the incident. [iTWire]
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Tel: (02) 9288 4000
Email: media@accan.org.au
Web: accan.org.au
Twitter: @accan_au
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Although we take care to direct subscribers to sites with accurate and reliable content, we advise that ACCAN is not responsible for the content within external sites and has no control over the views, services or information contained therein. Information contained on external sites may not necessarily reflect ACCAN's policy, standards or beliefs.
The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network's representation of residential and other consumers' interests in relation to telecommunications issues 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.
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