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This week
IN THE NEWS: eSafety drops X court case, News Corp calls for “social licence” laws for tech firms, RTIRC coming to a city near you!
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The eSafety Commissioner has dropped its federal court case over X’s refusal to hide posts featuring graphic images of the Wakeley church stabbing, much to the delight of X owner Elon Musk. In defending her decision, the Commissioner pointed out that several other court cases involving X were ongoing, and that public funds would be poorly used in an expensive court battle over this decision. The eSafety order to take down Wakeley attack material is also subject to an Administrative Appeals Tribunal case brought by X, wherein the merits of the decision will be reviewed. [The Guardian]
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News Corp Australia boss Michael Miller appeared at the National Press Club this week to argue for the restoration of the News Media Bargaining Code, alongside new regulations to make social media giants abide by a “social licence”. He proposed tech companies contribute money to programs aimed at “tackling mental health problems” and create an “effective consumer complaints handling system” under the scheme. Miller’s calls are likely to be considered by an upcoming parliamentary committee into the widespread effects of social media. [News.com]
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The Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee (RTIRC) is currently holding consultations around the country, providing an opportunity for people living and working in regional, rural and remote areas of Australia to share their views and experiences using telecommunications services in their area. From 17-19 June, the RTIRC will be in Mount Isa, Mornington Island, Cairns and Thursday Island. You can register for these events and view July events for South Australia via the link above. [RTIRC]
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ACCAN recently joined a roundtable to launch the .au Domain Administration (auDA) Digital Lives of Australians 2024 report. We had some great discussions, and afterwards, attendees shared their key takeaways. In the video linked above, you can find highlights from ACCAN staff and other attendees, plus a link to the full report. [auDA]
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This article flags that uncapped 5G home internet speeds have declined compared to past months for both Telstra and Optus. Telstra’s advertised speeds have dropped from 336Mbps to 291Mbps, while Optus reduced theirs from 240Mbps to 210Mbps. Telcos reported a range of reasons for these reductions, including small faults in 5G modems, the type of modems used by customers surveyed for speeds, and network congestion. [Whistleout]
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A team at Monash University are trialling a new program to help scam survivors with called Smooth Sailing After Scams. Have you been scammed? Do you want help in coping with the loss of money or feelings of anger, shame, confusion or disbelief? Have your relationships or lifestyle been affected? This 10-session program, delivered in small groups by allied health clinicians via telehealth or in-person (Notting Hill, Victoria), may help. Find out more via the link above, or by emailing the researchers at cyberability@monash.edu. [Monash University]
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Optus customers can now use the 3G shutdown compatibility checker that Telstra rolled out some months ago. Customers can text the number 3 to 3498 to receive confirmation that their device will remain fully functional after the shutdown of 3G networks. It is unclear whether the text service will work for customers of Optus sub-brands, such as Coles Mobile, Amaysim and Dodo. [TechGuide]
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ACCAN is a participant in and strong supporter of the National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC). The NASC works with government, law enforcement and industry to make Australia a harder target for scammers. Latest data shows that the approach is working, with scam losses recently dropping for the first time in several years. Follow the NASC at the link above to learn how we can fight back stronger by working together. [National Anti-Scam Centre]
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The NSW Government is developing the state's first Digital Inclusion Strategy to support the people of NSW to access, afford and engage with digital technologies, services and online resources. The NSW Government is calling on local communities, industry and organisations to actively participate in the consultation process. Your feedback will help shape the strategy's outcomes and solutions, focusing on improving digital ability, affordability, accessibility, connectivity, trust and safety. To participate in the consultation or to learn more about the NSW Digital Inclusion Strategy, head to your local library or council, or visit the link above. [NSW Department of Customer Service]
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The ACMA has released its actions for the Jan-March quarter, including the publication of the Financial Hardship Standard, Optus paying a $1.5 million infringement notice for failing to comply with public safety rules and publishing December 2023 complaints data. Read more at their publication above. [ACMA]
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If you are Deaf, or have a hearing impairment or speech impairment, you can contact us on 02 9288 4000 through your preferred National Relay Service call number or access point.
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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 information contained in or attached to this message is intended only for the people it is addressed to. If you are not the intended recipient, any use, disclosure or copying of this information is unauthorised and prohibited. This information may be confidential or subject to legal privilege. If you receive this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete the e-mail and any attachments. The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network does not warrant that the information in this e-mail or any attachments are free from any viruses, defects, errors, interception or interference.
The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network's representation of residential and other consumers' interests in relation to telecommunications issues is supported by the Commonwealth through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.
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