Notebook Vendors Warned Over Spam

The Australian Communications and Media Authority has issued a formal warning to laptop computer retailer Notebooks R Us, following an investigation that found the company in breach of the Spam Act 2003 for sending commercial electronic messages without consent of the recipients.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority has issued a formal warning to laptop computer retailer Notebooks R Us, following an investigation that found the company in breach of the Spam Act 2003 for sending commercial electronic messages without consent of the recipients.

‘Marketing to people who do not want to be contacted has the potential to harm business reputations,’ said ACMA Chairman Chris Chapman. ‘The Spam Act is not just a legal responsibility; it’s also about good business sense, brand integrity and respect for consumers’ privacy.’

The Spam Act establishes that commercial electronic messages must be sent with the recipient’s consent, and that consent to receive such messages is considered to be withdrawn five business days after any request to unsubscribe or opt out.

Commercial electronic messages can be sent by email, SMS, MMS and instant message. Under the Spam Act, potential penalties of up to $1.1 million per day may be imposed by the Federal Court for repeat offenders.