The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has launched a new system for reporting mobile messaging spam.

The system encourages users to forward spam messages directly to a designated number. The information received by Spam SMS is hoped to assist the ACMA in its investigations into breaches of the Spam Act.

“As active mobile phone users, young people are increasingly exposed to targeted SMS marketing messages but may be reluctant or indifferent to reporting spam,’ said ACMA chairman Chris Chapman.

“We can actually do a lot to help in this space, but we have to know about it. “Spam SMS” is a simple and convenient way to tell us about spam. All you need to do is forward the message to 0429 999 888 as soon as you receive it.”

Third Screen Media CEO and founder, Joe Barber, had the following comments about the ACMA’s system:

“Anti SPAM measures are very important. The preservation of the mobile inbox is a critical aspect to the high value and good ROI that mobile marketing is achieving. If its proliferated like our email inbox with junk then the overall value and benefit reduces. You wont find many not supporting this line. But the approach being taken by the ACMA appears reactionary and ill considered. You need to receive a far more detailed reason as to why the consumer is upset than just forwarding the message.”