ACMA

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is the independent statutory authority responsible for the regulation of communications and media in Australia. Established on 1 July 2005, it was formed by the merger of the Australian Broadcasting Authority and the Australian Communications Authority to create a single, converged regulator to oversee the nation's dynamic and evolving digital landscape.

ACMA's primary purpose is to maximise the economic and social benefits of communications and media for all Australians. It achieves this by managing and regulating the various sectors under its purview to ensure they operate in the public interest.

The core responsibilities of ACMA are broad and can be broken down into four main domains:

1. Broadcasting

ACMA is the key regulator for television and radio in Australia. Its role involves:

• Licensing and Planning: Issuing, renewing, and planning licences for commercial, community, and subscription broadcasters.

• Content and Advertising Standards: Enforcing industry codes of practice related to content classification, news accuracy, privacy, and advertising standards.

• Australian Content: Ensuring commercial television broadcasters meet their obligations to air a certain amount of Australian-made content, including drama, documentaries, and children's programs.

• Complaint Handling: Acting as a formal channel for public complaints about broadcast content that may have breached the codes of practice.

2. Telecommunications

ACMA regulates the telecommunications industry to protect consumers and ensure the integrity of the networks. This includes:

• Consumer Protection: Enforcing rules for telcos regarding customer service, complaint handling, advertising, and billing. It oversees the Telecommunications Consumer Protections (TCP) Code.

• Scam and Spam Reduction: Enforcing laws against unsolicited communications, such as the Spam Act 2003 and the Do Not Call Register Act 2006. It also creates and enforces rules to combat phone and SMS scams.

• Numbering: Managing the allocation of telephone numbers to telecommunications companies.

• Network Integrity: Regulating technical standards, including those for cabling, to ensure the safety and reliability of the telecommunications network.

3. Radiocommunications and Spectrum Management

A crucial and highly technical function of ACMA is the management of the radiofrequency spectrum, a finite public resource essential for all wireless communications. This involves:

• Spectrum Allocation: Planning and allocating portions of the spectrum for a wide array of services, including mobile phones (e.g., 5G), Wi-Fi, broadcast television and radio, GPS, and use by emergency services.

• Licensing and Compliance: Issuing licences for the use of radio communications equipment and investigating any instances of interference.

• Technical Regulation: Setting standards for communications equipment to ensure it does not cause harmful interference with other services.

4. Online Content and Safety

ACMA plays a vital role in creating a safer online environment for Australians. Its responsibilities in this area include:

• Illegal and Harmful Content: Operating a complaints service for prohibited online content, such as child sexual abuse material and content advocating terrorism. ACMA has the power to direct online service providers to remove such content.

• Combating Misinformation and Disinformation: Administering a voluntary code of practice for digital platforms to address the spread of misinformation and disinformation in Australia.

• Illegal Online Gambling: Investigating and taking action against prohibited interactive gambling services that are provided to Australian consumers, including by blocking illegal offshore websites.

In essence, ACMA functions as the comprehensive regulator for Australia's interconnected media and communications sectors, balancing industry needs with consumer protection and the broader public interest.