Australia is implementing a mandatory SMS Sender ID register as part of its strategy to combat SMS scams, building on the country’s broader efforts to strengthen digital security following the major Optus data breach in 2022. The register, scheduled to begin operations in late 2025, will be overseen by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
The initiative aims to prevent scammers from impersonating trusted brands and individuals in text messages, a growing problem that has affected both consumers and businesses worldwide. This approach mirrors successful anti-smishing initiatives already implemented in other regions, such as the Mobile Ecosystem Forum’s program in the UK, Ireland, and Singapore.
Implementation will commence with ACMA’s preparatory work in early 2025, followed by the opening of the register for new sender IDs in the latter half of the year. The system is designed to serve dual purposes: reducing fraudulent messages while strengthening confidence in legitimate business communications.
The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) notes that the register will “reduce the amount of scam SMS’ that consumers receive, while also boosting trust in genuine marketing and financial communications.” This initiative comes at a crucial time when SMS-based fraud has become increasingly sophisticated, often incorporating AI and advanced social engineering techniques.
The Albanese Government’s support for this measure comes as part of broader efforts to enhance consumer protection in digital communications, including recent legislation for stricter online age verification and improved digital identity frameworks. The Australian Bankers Association (ABA) has expressed support for the initiative, stating that the “mandatory SMS Sender ID register with an enforceable industry standard will help reduce the number of scam messages Australians receive.”
The register represents part of Australia’s comprehensive approach to digital security and consumer protection in mobile communications. This system will require organizations using SMS sender IDs to register their identifiers through an official process, creating a verified database of legitimate message senders. The approach is similar to successful anti-spam initiatives implemented in other countries, such as India’s AI-powered spam detection systems.
Sources: Australian Banking Association, ACCAN, The Epoch Times, Mobile World Live, Minister for Infrastructure
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