In a media release today, the Australian Communications and Media Authority announced that it has joined forces with the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs in the fight against spam.
ACMA and the NZ government agency signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish channels of communication that will allow both agencies to move quickly in response to the challenges and demands of the ever-changing spam environment.
“Spam is a global problem that requires coordinated global action,” said Chris Chapman, ACMA Chairman.
“Over 99 per cent of the spam that reaches Australians comes from overseas. Fighting spam nationally is vital, but long term gains can only be made through cooperation with other countries and overseas regulators.
“This MOU allows each agency to promote and foster the assistance and exchange of information relevant to our regulatory functions. It also reflects the historically strong working relationship and economic ties between the two countries.”
The Deputy Secretary of Internal Affairs, Keith Manch, welcomed the signing of the MOU. “‘It is a pragmatic document, focussed on the real world, that will support the anti-spam element of our general campaign against cyber crime,’” Mr Manch said.
Under the terms of the MOU, requests for information extend to confidential material as well as assistance for compliance and enforcement matters, while taking into account the legal, policy and administrative limits on the powers of each agency to exchange such information, the ACMA release reported.
Australia and New Zealand are also signatories of the Seoul-Melbourne Multilateral Anti-Spam Agreement, signed by regional countries in the Pacific in April 2005. Australia actively participates in international spam enforcement cooperation with over 30 countries.
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