Scams Prevention Framework welcomed, and digital industry stands ready to implement it
February 13, 2025: The Digital Industry Group Inc. (DIGI) welcomes the passage of the Scams Prevention Framework, which will strengthen a wide range of industries’ scam defences, through mandatory industry codes with tough penalties for non-compliance.
On the passage of the legislation, DIGI Managing Director, Sunita Bose said:
“Scammers must be stopped at every step of their game, on every service across the economy they exploit, and we welcome the Government’s efforts to prevent these relentless criminals robbing Australians of hard-earned savings.
“This legislation will help bolster scam defences across different sectors which is a crucial piece of the puzzle, along with cross-border law enforcement efforts to shut down offshore scam compounds, and consumer education.
“The mandatory sector-specific codes are a critically important piece of the Scams Prevention Framework, because if every part of the economy that’s exploited by scammers has relevant safeguards in place to bolster their defences, consumers will be better protected.
“DIGI developed a blueprint for anti-scam best practice for the digital industry in the Australian Online Scams Code, signed by major mainstream tech companies, and we stand ready to work with regulators to develop enforceable codes for the digital industry.
“The digital industry’s work to protect Australians from scams is longstanding, and some signatories have further bolstered their protection of Australians through new intelligence-sharing initiatives and advertising verification measures.
“Particularly as the legislation’s approach departs from international models, DIGI looks forward to working with the Government and collaborating with other industries on the many challenging implementation questions that lie ahead.
“When the Government works to implement the law, it will be important to ensure it encourages collaboration across different sectors to ensure that the intelligence sharing and compensation programs work effectively for Australian consumers.”
About the Australian Online Scams Code
On 26 July 2024, leading companies in the tech industry announced the launch of a proactive code aimed at combating scam activity in Australia, developed by DIGI. The Australian Online Scams Code (AOSC) has been signed by Apple, Discord, Google, Meta, Snap, TikTok, Twitch, X and Yahoo as initial signatories, and is open to others to adopt as a proactive consumer protection measure. The Australian Online Scams Code offers a holistic response with 38 commitments grouped under 9 key themes, which span blocking and takedown, advertiser verification measures and increased collaboration with Australia’s National Anti-Scam Centre. The code established immediate consumer protections and a blueprint for combatting scams in the digital industry in advance of the Government’s forthcoming reform agenda in relation to scams, recognising that mandatory code development can only commence after today’s passage of the Scams Prevention Framework.