Nokia handed A$55,000 fine for spamming in Australia

ACMA claims the phone maker broke anti-spam regulations with SMS marketing.

Government body the Australian Communications and Media Authority took action after receiving complaints from Nokia customers that didn't know how to unsubscribe from 'tips' sent from the firm.

The SMS messages also neglected information on how to contact the Finns, thus breaking the Spam Act 2003.

Some 'tips' contained relevant information about the user's device, while others promoted Nokia's services and products which means an unsubscribe option is required.

Nokia was handed a fine for A$55,000 and has agreed to appoint an independent consultant to monitor its systems. It will also develop a plan according with the consultant's recommendations and train SMS marketing employees to comply with spam acts.

Richard Bean, acting chairman, ACMA, said: "SMS allows businesses to reach their customers no matter where they are or what they are doing. But with that opportunity come responsibilities under the Spam Act, including the obligation to include an unsubscribe facility in marketing messages."