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IN THE NEWS: New Scam Code legislation proposed, Government launches multi-front social media crackdown and Meta admits to using consumer data to train AI
CEO MESSAGE: This week, the government flagged its intention to introduce a new Scam Code Act to hold banks, telcos, and social media platforms more accountable in preventing scams. With fines of up to $50 million for companies that fail to take action, this legislation will provide much-needed protections for consumers, particularly retirees and vulnerable groups who are most affected by the scourge of scams. ACCAN welcomes these stronger anti-scam measures to improve consumer safety.
Communications has been at the forefront of political debate this week, with two significant announcements about digital platforms. Misinformation laws introduced to Parliament proposes new powers for the ACMA to regulate false information on social media, and a social media ban for children has been proposed for platforms including Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. The government plans to create rules requiring users to verify that they are above a certain age (around 14 to 16 years old) to open and use an account.
It was a bold move by the Prime Minister this week to propose a ban on social media for children under the age of 14. While details remain unclear, the trial of age verification is likely to inform this proposal.
This week ACCAN has met with regulators ACCC, ACMA as well as industry. We provided our views on the ACCC’s future to the strategic review and we met with the ACMA to outline our position on how the new Complaints Handling Standard might be strengthened to protect consumers. Meetings with Telstra CEO Vicki Brady and TPG have been a valuable opportunity to share a consumer perspective on issues including affordability and regional coverage.
On housekeeping matters – members should be aware that ACCAN’s AGM will be held on Thursday, 26 September. Your participation is important in shaping ACCAN’s direction, so please be sure to register to attend. We are also seeking Expressions of Interest for two vacancies on ACCAN’s Independent Grants Panel. If you have experience in the community sector or expertise in digital platforms, we encourage you to apply and help us drive impactful consumer advocacy projects.
As always thanks for your support for ACCAN.
Carol Bennett
Chief Executive Officer
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Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones has this week announced a proposed Scam Code Act to enhance national anti-scam efforts. The new Code scheme would require social media platforms, mobile networks, and banks to take greater responsibility in fighting scams. The legislation introduces fines of up to $50 million for companies that fail to act on scam reports, holding them more accountable for safeguarding consumers. The Act seeks to broaden protections across all sectors, ensuring quicker responses and potential refunds for victims who lost $2.7 billion to scammers in 2023. ACCAN looks forward to supporting this work. [The Golden Times]
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Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has announced that mis- and disinformation laws, set to be introduced to Parliament on Thursday, will include new powers for the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to monitor, regulate, investigate and litigate social media platforms which allow the spread of false information. The Minister said that the legislation will give the regulator appropriate powers to keep Australians safe online but will feature robust freedom of speech protections. Social media has been a matter of intense political focus this week, with the government also announcing plans to introduce age verification for social media users in 2024. The age requirement will be subject to consultation, but PM Anthony Albanese has said that preferred age limit leans towards 16. In ACCAN’s submission to a recent Joint Committee looking into social media, we highlighted the need for better dispute resolution and competition regulations to improve consumer outcomes within the sector. [News.com]
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Appearing before a Senate inquiry into AI adoption, a high-ranking Meta executive this week revealed that the company uses posts and photos submitted by its users to train AI tools. This is particularly significant as Australians have no option to ‘opt out’ of having their data being used in this way, as is now mandatory under European Union regulations. Reforms to the Privacy Act introduced by Attorney General Mark Dreyfus on Thursday this week do not update the definition of personal information, and so may not address the data privacy implications of this admission by Meta. [ABC]
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ACCAN meets with Telstra CEO to discuss consumer issues
On Monday this week, ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett had a very productive meeting with Telstra CEO Vicki Brady. It was a great opportunity to discuss how Telstra might improve the affordability of their mobile and internet plans, particularly for low-income consumers during a cost-of-living crunch. They also discussed an upcoming industry-wide 3G shutdown awareness campaign (keep your eyes peeled!), and how telcos can work with government to improve connectivity in the regions. [No link]
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ACCAN Deputy CEO – speech on the future of regional telecommunications
Last Thursday, our Deputy CEO Dr Gareth Downing spoke about regional communications and the future of the Universal Service Obligation (USO) at an event hosted by the International Institute of Communications (IIC) Australia Chapter. Gareth argued that a future-proof universal service framework must focus on the needs of consumers first and foremost and be adaptable as new technologies are adopted. A future USO must provide the services consumers need today, but also feature arrangements that continue to deliver better services for consumers and communities into the future as technology and consumer needs evolve. Thanks to the IIC for the invitation, and to fellow speakers – pictured below - Alannah MacTiernan, Chris Woolford (Ofcom) and Luke Coleman (Vocus) for their contributions. [No link]
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This ABC article highlights the severe impact of a storm in regional Victoria, where power and mobile service outages left residents unable to communicate for days. The piece discusses the limitations of Australia’s current Universal Service Obligation (USO), which only guarantees landline access, and explores the need for an updated USO that includes mobile, satellite, and other technologies to improve rural and remote connectivity. [ABC]
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Join ACCAN’s Kelly Lindsay (Stakeholder Engagement Manager) and Con Gouskos (Policy Adviser) at the COTA ACT Seniors and Better Ageing Expo Wednesday 25 September in Kingston! Drop by this free event to meet our team and learn about how we’re supporting Australians with their communications needs. With over 150 exhibitors and a Lifestyle Hub, there’s plenty to explore. [COTA ACT]
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Our policy team is growing and we’re currently looking to hire a Graduate Policy and Research Officer. If you have an economics or social sciences background and enthusiasm for communications and consumer advocacy, this could be the role for you! [ACCAN]
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The ACCAN Board is seeking Expressions of Interest from suitably qualified and experienced individuals wishing to serve on ACCAN’s Independent Grants Panel. There are currently TWO vacancies on the Panel. The Grants Panel assesses applications for funding received to ACCAN’s annual grants round and are an important part of the independence and rigour of the Program. Interest from candidates with experience in the community sector and/or current research knowledge of the social impact of digital platforms is particularly encouraged. Expressions of Interest must be received by 5pm (AEDT) Friday 11th October, 2024. For more information, including selection criteria, please visit the link above. [ACCAN]
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The Annual General Meeting of the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network Limited (ACCAN) will be held on Thursday 26th September 2024 from 4pm AEST. On the agenda for this meeting is the election of two Board Directors, Adoption of the Auditor’s Report, Appointment of an Auditor for 2024-2025, Life Memberships and the Returning Officer’s Report. All meeting papers, including instructions on how to vote in the election, are available on the ACCAN website. Your membership must be current to be eligible to vote. Members are invited to register for the AGM via the link above. [ACCAN]
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WebNews #674
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Tel: (02) 9288 4000
Email: media@accan.org.au
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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