Don't call my mobile either! Do Not Call Register hits 7 million

Stan Beer
Thursday, 03 November 2011 05:58

IT Policy - Regulation

The bane of cold calling telemarketers, Australia's Do Not Call Register now has more than seven million numbers on its list and it continues to grow. The news released today by the Australian Communications and Media Authority is a ringing endorsement of the push for consumer privacy against unwanted voice call intruders.

 

According to the ACMA, in less than five years, 7 million numbers have been listed on the Do Not Call Register, including just over half of Australia's fixed line home numbers.

However, the uptake in registrations is not only on fixed line numbers, with more than three million mobile numbers now on the register.

Mobiles accounted for 75% of new registrations in the last six months.

'Many Australians are choosing not to receive telemarketing and fax marketing,' said ACMA Chairman, Chris Chapman.

'Seven million registrations is a ringing endorsement of the benefits of being registered, with more than one million numbers added in the last six months.

'Not only has there been success with pursuing breaches of the Do Not Call Register Act 2006, but 88 per cent of those on the register reported a reduction in telemarketing calls,' Mr Chapman said.

The ACMA also announced its strengthened Telemarketing and Research Calls Industry Standard today.

The new standard sets enforceable rules about the way the industry can contact Australians, regardless of whether they are on the register or not. For example, it is common for call-recipients to wonder where a caller got their number from.

The revised standard means that, when requested, industry must now provide this information within seven days instead of 30 days.

Anyone can complain if they think a telemarketer is breaching the standard, and penalties of up to $250,000 can apply. There is also a Fax Marketing Industry Standard with similar enforceable rules.

To register, consumers should visit www.donotcall.gov.au or call 1300 792 958. Industry can visit www.donotcall.gov.au/industry, or call 1300 785 749.

The Do Not Call Register is a Federal Government service whereby Australians can register their numbers to opt out of telemarketing calls and marketing faxes.

Limited exemptions allow some public interest organisations, such as charities, to contact numbers on the register.

Numbers on the register may also be contacted where there is consent from the consumer.