Many of us, have from time to time, received unsolicited emails or other messages from unknown sources, or businesses keen to advertise an event or product through content marketing. This would seem to have become even more rife during the COVID-19 period, as businesses have sought to expand their offerings and clientele in challenging circumstances.
It is important to note however that in Australia, legislation known as the Spam Act 2003 (Cth) (“the Act”) sets out rules relating to spam messages, including information relevant to senders as well as receivers of such messages.
The Act provides that, subject to certain exceptions, an unsolicited commercial electronic message (“CEM”) (which is broadly defined and can include emails and SMS messages), must not be sent without the consent of the relevant electronic account holder of the email address, instant messaging service, telephone number or other account holder (section 16 of the Act).[1]
Consent under the Act is taken to constitute both express consent or consent that can be reasonably inferred from the conduct and the business and other relationships of the individuals or organisations concerned, and may not be inferred from the mere fact that a relevant electronic address has been published.[2]
There are however two exceptions relevant to section 16 of the Act, namely a “conspicuous publication” and a “designated message”.
(a) Conspicuous publication[3]
Generally speaking, if the particular electronic address has been:
(b) Designated commercial message[4]
One of the types of designated commercial messages is a message that consists of no more than factual information and other additional information specified in the Act, and which complies with other specified conditions.
There are also other designated commercial messages defined in the Act such as messages authorised by government bodies, political parties, charities and educational institutions.
The Act also requires that CEM’s include accurate sender information and an avenue for the recipient of the message to unsubscribe.[5]
It is important to note that the Act also prohibits acquiring or supplying address-harvesting software and harvested-address lists for the purpose of sending commercial electronic messages.[6]
Failure to comply with the requirements in the Act can lead to the imposition of penalties, such as pecuniary penalties, compensation, recovery of financial benefits or an injunction.[7]
These pecuniary penalties can be severe, with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (“ACMA”) website listing that repeat corporate offenders may face penalties of up to $2.1 million a day.
Recent matters published on the ACMA website illustrate some of the penalties which have been imposed as follows:
If you wish to discuss this article, or any other matter relating to this article, please feel free to contact Felicity Cara-Carson or Thomas Abraham on (03) 9614 7707.
[1] SPAM Act 2003 (Cth), Section 16.
[2] SPAM Act 2003 (Cth), Schedule 2.
[3] SPAM Act 2003 (Cth), Schedule 2, cl 4.
[4] SPAM Act 2003 (Cth), Schedule 1.
[5] SPAM Act 2003 (Cth), Section 17.
[6] SPAM Act 2003 (Cth), Part 3.
[7] SPAM Act 2003 (Cth), Parts 4, 5, 6 and 7.
[8] https://www.acma.gov.au/articles/2019-11/oneflare-pays-75600-infringement-notice-spamming
[9] https://www.acma.gov.au/articles/2020-01/optus-pays-504000-spamming-australians
Felicity Cara-Carson
Thomas Abraham
Melbourne office
Level 14, 565 Bourke Street
Melbourne
3000
Australia
+61 3 961 47707
+61 2 9790 0640
+61 3 961 46676
+61 3 9614 6676
adp@pointonpartners.com.au
General@pointonpartners.com.au
Sydney office
6/111 Elizabeth Street
Sydney
2000
Australia
+61 3 961 47707
+61 2 9790 0640
+61 3 961 46676
+61 3 9614 6676
adp@pointonpartners.com.au
General@pointonpartners.com.au
Melbourne
Tel: +61 3 961 47707 Email: tony.pointon@pointonpartners.com.au http://www.pointonpartners.com.au/