As technology advances at a fast rate, many essential services have become more convenient.

However, these advancements could also come with caveats, especially regarding safety.

A telecommunications giant recently faced a major breach, leading it to pull an unexpected move that could put users at risk.

Telstra publicly revealed information of around 140,000 customers who requested unlisted numbers.

This followed the Australian Communications and Media Authority's (ACMA) investigation, which led them to discover 24,005 Telstra customers' numbers and addresses listed on the White Pages despite the request.

ACMA also found 139,402 unlisted numbers in the telco's directory assistance database.

Telstra cited system issues as the main cause for the licence breach. Image Credit: Shutterstock/ArliftAtoz2205

The said numbers were allegedly 'used by Telstra operators when answering calls from customers for services such as call connect and directory assistance.'

Both incidents—which occurred separately between 2021 and 2022—totalled to 163,000 breaches of Telstra's carrier licence.

Telstra reported the breaches to ACMA in 2022 and cited 'system issues and process failures' as the primary cause.

Since the report, ACMA has directed Telstra to calibrate their White Pages and directory assistance databases every six months.

ACMA also suggested a training programme for Telstra employees dedicated to system audits and standard compliance procedures.

These directions will remain in place until Telstra finishes all of ACMA's directions.

Should Telstra not follow the instructions, ACMA could start civil penalty proceedings in the Federal Court.

Each contravention may cost the telco giant around $10 million in penalties.

A Telstra spokesperson claimed the telco had already taken 'corrective action and communicated with customers'.

'Since it occurred, we have significantly upgraded our systems through major software and technology improvements, and we conduct regular sweeps to pick up any potential misalignments,' they stated.

However, ACMA member and Consumer Lead Samantha Yorke raised safety issues among consumers, which the telco should prioritise.

'While we are not aware of any harm to people as a result of these breaches, Telstra failing to safeguard customer information, putting people's privacy and safety at risk, is a serious matter,' Yorke stated.

She also reiterated that Telstra customers should always demand robust consumer protection processes, as their personal information and data should be kept private.

Key Takeaways

• Telstra was under fire for revealing 140,000 customers' data and numbers despite requests for staying unlisted.
• The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) stepped in and directed Telstra to calibrate their directory systems every six months to prevent such licence breaches.
• Failure to comply with the ACMA's request could lead to Federal Court proceedings and fines of a minimum of $10 million.
• ACMA member Samantha Yorke reiterated that customers should always demand strong privacy policies from the telecommunication giant to keep their data safe.

What do you think of these developments with Telstra? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below.

 

[Bob Patterson]

Its only rite that Telstra should raise prices, If not to keep lining there own pockets , then to raise the $10 million in penalties! But who gets the money from these penalties? You can bet money that it will not be the customers that Telstra is ripping off!!!

 

[BillyB]

Its only rite that Telstra should raise prices, If not to keep lining there own pockets , then to raise the $10 million in penalties! But who gets the money from these penalties? You can bet money that it will not be the customers that Telstra is ripping off!!!

If you think telstra is ripping you off why not change providers there are several to chose from. Maybe you just like to whinge.

 

[Mark@Home]

Its only rite that Telstra should raise prices, If not to keep lining there own pockets , then to raise the $10 million in penalties! But who gets the money from these penalties? You can bet money that it will not be the customers that Telstra is ripping off!!!

It is NOT AT ALL "rite" (????????) that companies caught with their pants down should raise their prices. Those who MUST be made to pay are the directors, personally. Their bank accounts MUST be completely drained if necessary, to show society's contempt for unprincipled and unfettered capitalism.

 

[Mark@Home]

If you think telstra is ripping you off why not change providers there are several to chose from. Maybe you just like to whinge.

Perhaps. But the directors of all these arrogant companies MUST be personally called to account and be severely punished for their greedy, entitled, money-grabbing ways.

 

[Towing]

In some areas especially country ones, Telstra is the only provider that has coverage. A lot of the others don't work at all unless you are on a major highway