Communications Archives - Page 13 of 40 - Consumers' Federation of Australia

21 October , 2021

Cybersecurity Awareness Month “Do your part.”#BeCyberSmart

Australians are urged to take simple steps to better protect themselves from common online threats and cybercrime during Cyber Security Awareness Month over October. The 2021 theme is: “Do your Part. #BeCyberSmart” read more here, where you can view the Personal Cyber Security Series, How to Use the Internet Securely – A Guide for Seniors, and other cyber…

14 October , 2021

New Telco Industry Code Fights Customer Transaction Fraud

Australia’s telecommunications sector has published a strengthened Industry Code to better protect customers from attempted fraudulent transactions. This is a media release from Communications Alliance. It was originally published on 13th October, 2021. The Communications Alliance code – C666:2021 Existing Customer Authentication – provides an improved framework to authenticate the identity of customers making transactions involving their telecommunications…

24 September , 2021

Telcos and credit providers fail consumers during COVID-19, says new scorecard

Telecommunications and credit and personal finance providers were found to be joint wooden spoon winners in a 2020 Sector Scorecard developed by Consumer Policy Research Centre and Roy Morgan. By delivering the joint worst customer experience overall these sectors have let down their customers when they most needed support. This highlights the need for increased…

24 September , 2021

Telecommunications complaints fall, but serious concerns remain

The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) has welcomed an overall fall in complaints to the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO), however, raised concerns that small businesses may be suffering as complaint levels from the sector reach a three year high. This is a media release from the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN). It was originally published…

24 September , 2021

Third year of declining phone and internet complaints but problems persist for small businesses

Complaints about phone and internet services decreased 6.1 per cent in the last financial year ending 30 June 2021. During this period, residential consumers and small businesses made 119,400 complaints to the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman, highlighted in the Annual Report 2020-21 published on the 22nd September 2021. This is a media release from the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman.…

6 September , 2021

Thinking of buying a smart device for your home?

Smart devices or Internet of Things (IoTs) have a significant role in our daily lives at home. A new report has raised the importance of increasing consumer awareness of privacy and consumer protection issues associated with IoTs since there is very limited legal protection for consumers who use these devices. The report Enhancing consumer awareness of…

2 August , 2021

Government must go back to the drawing board on new Open Banking rules that undermine Australians’ privacy rights

Financial Rights Legal Centre is calling on the Australian Government to halt the introduction of new rules that will increase privacy and security risks for people when sharing their financial data. This is a Financial Rights Legal Centre media release, originally published on 30th July, 2021. The government should rescind proposals to: allow the transfer…

19 July , 2021

Expectations for telcos in supporting vulnerable consumers

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is looking to improve the way the telco sector supports consumers in vulnerable circumstances, with a proposed Statement of Expectations for the industry released for consultation today. This is an Australian Communications and Media Authority media release, originally published on 14th July, 2021. ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin said…

19 January , 2021

Cyber security — your responsibility

Not all cyber security risks can be addressed by governments and industry — individuals should also take steps to protect themselves. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how much Australians interact and work online, trusting the internet for healthcare, working from home, education, entertainment and online shopping. Protecting you and your family online is about more than avoiding…

11 December , 2020

Consumers benefit from reduced prices in a year affected by COVID

Mobile consumers received much better value over 2019-20, as reported in the ACCC’s just released annual Communications Market Report. This is an ACCC Media Release The report also shows that communications networks successfully met the significant challenges posed by COVID-19 in 2020 and details significant trends and market developments in fixed broadband and mobile markets. Mobile…

4 December , 2020

New research highlights urgent need to close digital divide for Indigenous communities

New analysis commissioned by the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) shows that urgent action is needed to address the digital divide in remote Indigenous communities in the wake of COVID-19 lockdowns. This is an ACCAN Media Release While much of the nation turned to digital services such as videoconferencing and telehealth during the rolling…

2 December , 2020

New rules to detect, trace and block scam calls

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has today registered new rules that require telcos to detect, trace and block scam calls. The Reducing Scam Calls Code, developed by the telco industry, was a direct recommendation of the ACMA’s Combating Scams Action Plan. This is an ACMA Media Release The ACMA has worked closely with telcos and peak…