Spam & e–Security

Under the Spam Act 2003 it is illegal to send, or cause to be sent, unsolicited commercial electronic messages. The Act covers email, instant messaging, SMS and MMS (text and image-based mobile phone messaging) of a commercial nature. It does not cover faxes, internet pop-ups or voice telemarketing. 

ACMA is responsible for enforcing the Spam Act and actively works to fight spam in Australia. This section of ACMA’s website provides practical information and handy tips on how you can reduce and help to fight spam.

Spam is a generic term used to describe electronic 'junk mail' – unwanted messages sent to a person's email account or mobile phone.

Find out more about:

• Understanding spam
• Avoiding spam
• Reporting spam
• Ensuring that you don’t spam
• Protecting yourself online
• Lodging a complaint
• The Spam Act and Codes of Practice
• How ACMA is fighting spam
• Current scams
• Information for ISPs and ESPs

ACMA plays an important role in e-Security in Australia, gathering evidence and assisting in protecting Australians from computer fraud and identity theft. ACMA also regulates internet content issues and deals with internet content complaints. 

Report spam - install SpamMATTERS

ACMA’s SpamMATTERS reporting system helps to fight spam in Australia. Spam reported using SpamMATTERS is used to track spammers and take action against them.

SpamMATTERS is available to download for Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Express email programs. Once installed, you can delete spam and report it to ACMA at the same time - with just a single click.

To help ACMA fight spam, download and install SpamMATTERS