Introduction of a mandatory SMS Sender ID Register
This submission is made by Australian Consumers Communications Action Network (ACCAN) with support from Consumer Action.
The introduction of a mandatory SMS Sender ID Register (the register) in Australia presents a critical opportunity for the law to disrupt scam business models and ensure Australian consumers are protected from harm. We support the Government’s objectives for the register to disrupt unregistered sender IDs, protect consumers against spoofing sender IDs, promote public confidence in sender IDs, and promote consistency and accountability of industry actions in relation to sender ID communications.
If appropriately implemented, the register can lead to a significant reduction in the number of SMS impersonation scams and the financial losses attributable to these scams. Impact analysis of a mandatory SMS Sender ID Register scheme in Australia found the net benefit to consumers and businesses over 10 years to be $96.2 million.
The introduction of a SMS sender ID register in Singapore led to a 64% decrease in reported SMS scams. 87% of consumers agreed the register made it easier to identify the legitimacy of the SMS they receive.
To promote positive consumer outcomes, we consider that the Standard must clearly set out obligations on participating telecommunication providers, promote uptake of the register, and ensure consistent implementation across the telecommunications sector. As scammers will
evolve and adapt their business models, the ACMA must be flexible, proactive and responsive to ensure the register remains fit for purpose and meets the objectives set out in the Telecommunications (SMS Sender ID Register Industry Standard) Direction 2025 (the direction). We support the ACMA conducting a comprehensive assessment of the register 12 months after its full implementation and making that assessment public.
This submission sets out the prevalence and harm caused by SMS impersonation scams in Australia and our key concerns and responses to the questions outlined in the consultation paper.
Read the full submission (PDF).
SMS Sender ID Register 202504