Text Spam Will Spell Big Fines
Newcastle Herald
Saturday April 10, 2004
RESTAURANTS that use mobile phone numbers to confirm bookings could be fined more than $1million if they use them to send promotional text messages.
The same applies to nightclubs that ask for a number when a jacket is checked in, then spam the owner with invitations to come at half price, The Sydney Morning Herald reported yesterday.
The fines are part of anti-spam laws that come into effect this weekend, and will be enforced by the Australian Communications Authority.
More than 60per cent of internet email was now junk, the paper said.
Coca-Cola, McDonald's, Kellogg's, all the commercial television stations and many radio stations were all heavy SMS promoters, the paper said.
Individuals could face daily fines of $220,000.
However, 98per cent of email spam comes from overseas and will not be affected by the Australian legislation. AAP
© 2004 Newcastle Herald
