TPG Internet has paid a $360,000 fine for spamming customers who had unsubscribed from the telco's SMS messages.
An Australian Communications and Media Authority investigation found TPG's systems were not properly processing unsubscribe requests during April, resulting in the telco continuing to send messages to customers who had withdrawn their consent.
ACMA chair Nerida O'Loughlin said TPG's fine serves as a reminder to anyone who conducts email or SMS marketing to make sure the systems they have for maintaining their marketing lists are working well and comply with the act.
"Consumers have a right to expect that their requests to unsubscribe from marketing messages will be respected," Ms O'Loughlin said in a statement on Friday.
Under the Spam Act, it is illegal to send unsolicited commercial electronic messages, including instant messaging, SMS and photo-based mobile phone messaging.
The ACMA said it issued TPG with an infringement notice, rather than starting Federal Court proceedings, as the company admitted the breach and took steps to remedy the problems.
