Regulatory Body Accuses Symbio of Neglecting Telemarketing Guidelines
In a recent development, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has ordered Symbio Wholesale Pty Limited and Symbio Networks Pty Ltd to adhere to Australia's phone scam rules. The companies, founded on September 12, 2014, and May 5, 2015, respectively, have been under scrutiny for their past handling of scam calls. The ACMA found that Symbio Wholesale Pty Limited breached information-sharing and reporting obligations regarding scam calls on multiple occasions. ACMA Member Samatha Yorke expressed concern about Symbio's past non-compliance, stating that the company did not provide timely notifications about scam calls to other telcos, compromising their ability to take rapid action against scams. Under the Reducing Scam Calls and Scam SMs Industry Code, telcos are obligated to share information about identified scam calls and to report scams when notified by other telcos. Symbio, however, failed to accurately report the number of scam calls they blocked from April to June 2023. Yorke also emphasised the importance of all telcos monitoring, investigating, tracing, and blocking scams, and quickly sharing information to prevent scams from reaching the public. She stated that ACMA will closely monitor Symbio's compliance with the new rules. In its role as a transit provider, Symbio identifies calls with scam-like patterns and works with partners to investigate and block them when necessary. The company has cooperated fully with ACMA's recent investigation and acknowledges receipt of ACMA's directions to comply with the Industry Code C661:2022 Reducing Scam Calls and Scam SMS. Symbio remains committed to reducing scam calls to protect the public and serve industry interests. The company has taken steps to remediate the issues when identified in relation to scam calls. Telcos face penalties of up to AUD250,000 for breaching ACMA directions to comply with industry codes. Yorke also stated that all telcos must adhere to these rules to ensure the safety and security of the public. These processes enable rapid scam identification and disruption across the networks, safeguarding the Australian public from potential fraud.
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