Australia Battles Dodgy Devices

As part of a groundbreaking initiative, Australians will now enjoy enhanced safety measures when purchasing communication equipment online, due to the newly launched Equipment Safety Pledge by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). This pledge introduces a series of voluntary commitments by prominent eCommerce platforms aimed at curtailing the sale of unsafe and illegal radiocommunications devices.

These problematic devices range from unauthorized two-way radios and mobile phone boosters to illegal jammers and unapproved cellular repeaters, often sourced from the ‘grey market.’ According to ACMA Deputy Chair Adam Suckling, using such equipment could severely interfere with licensed communication services, including crucial emergency service networks, thus posing a significant risk to public safety.

The pledge has already seen participation from major online retailers such as eBay, Gumtree, Temu, Shein, Radio Warehouse, and Icom Australia. These signatories play a vital role in the online sales of radiocommunications devices across Australia. ACMA is actively encouraging more platforms to join the initiative, emphasizing that commitment to the pledge represents a robust dedication to consumer safety and regulatory compliance.

Under the terms of the pledge, signatories are required to proactively detect and eliminate listings of non-compliant devices, cooperate with ACMA by removing flagged listings within two days, and help raise awareness by educating sellers and providing consumers with clear reporting channels for suspicious products. While this pledge significantly bolsters consumer protection, ACMA still advises shoppers to perform their own verifications before making purchases. For more information on identifying and reporting illegal equipment, consumers can visit the ACMA’s official website.