ACMA calling: Foxtel fined $25,200 for telemarketing breaches

Foxtel has paid a $25,200 infringement notice for breaching laws that require telemarketers to end a call immediately when asked.

An ACMA investigation found that Foxtel continued to sell its products and services within calls after consumers indicated they wanted to end the calls. The ACMA also found Foxtel did not have adequate contractual arrangements in place with a call centre it used.

“Consumers have the right to end a telemarketing call at any time during the call. It’s unacceptable for a call to continue once someone has indicated they want it to stop,” said ACMA chair Nerida O’Loughlin.

“The ACMA will act when aggressive marketing practices don’t meet acceptable standards,” said O’Loughlin.

This year, the ACMA has cracked down on businesses breaking telemarketing laws. Businesses have paid a total of $343,200 in infringement notices.

The Telemarketing Industry Standard sets out minimum obligations for all telemarketing calls that set out clearly permitted calling times, the information to be provided during calls and when calls must be terminated.