CRTC and Australian agency join forces to combat spam and unwanted telemarketing calls

OTTAWA, May 18, 2017 /CNW/ - Today, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) announced a partnership with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to combat commercial electronic messages (spam) and telemarketing. A memorandum of understanding was signed by Jean-Pierre Blais, CRTC Chairman and CEO, and Richard Bean, ACMA Acting Chairman.

The memorandum of understanding will allow the two agencies to develop a coordinated approach in enforcing Canadian and Australian spam and telemarketing laws, thereby reducing the threat they pose to citizens in both countries. Furthermore, it will solidify and strengthen confidence in both countries' communications networks.

As part of the agreement, both organizations have agreed to facilitate virtual training opportunities and staff exchanges where mutually beneficial.

Quick Facts

• The memorandum of understanding will facilitate research and education related to unauthorized telemarketing, telephone calls and commercial electronic messages.
• As part of the agreement, both agencies agree to provide investigative assistance, where applicable, in accordance with domestic law.
• In February 2017, the CRTC signed a memorandum of understanding with the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs to fight unsolicited commercial electronic messages (spam).
• In June 2016, the CRTC along with eleven other international agencies, including Australia, signed an agreement to fight unlawful spam and unsolicited telecommunications; all countries are members of the Unsolicited Communications Enforcement Network .
• In March 2016, the CRTC and U.S. Federal Trade Commission signed an agreement to fight unlawful spam and unsolicited telecommunications.
• In November of 2016, the CRTC and the U.S. Federal Communications Commission signed an agreement to fight unwanted telemarketing and robocalls to consumers.
• Canada's anti-spam legislation prohibits the sending of commercial electronic messages without the consent of the recipient, as well as online threats (e.g. phishing, malware and botnets).
• Under the CRTC's Unsolicited Telecommunications Rules, telemarketers are not permitted to call Canadians whose telephone numbers are registered on the National Do-Not-Call List and must meet certain requirements when making robocalls.

Quote

"Whether you live in Canada or in Australia, unlawful spam and unwanted calls continue to be bothersome. Coordinating our efforts increases our chances of protecting citizens in both countries from those wishing to wreak havoc by engaging in unlawful activities."

- Jean-Pierre Blais, CRTC Chairman and CEO.

Associated links

Memorandum of understanding between the Australian communications and media authority and the Canadian radio-television and telecommunications commission on mutual assistance in the enforcement of laws on commercial electronic messaging and telemarketing

News Release - CRTC partners with New Zealand regulator to fight spam

News Release - CRTC partners with international agencies to fight spam and unsolicited phone calls

News Release - CRTC signs partnership agreement with U.S. Federal Trade Commission to fight unlawful spam and unsolicited telecommunications

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SOURCE Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

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