The Regulation of Premium Message Services in Singapore and Australia - An Analysis

Derek Ho, Director, Corporate Counsel for the APAC region, Sybase Inc

This paper describes the premium message services regulations which currently apply in Singapore and Australia. With the increasing use of the mobile phone to advertise, offer, sell and deliver products and services, more consumers are being exposed to various business practices of companies. While appropriate regulations are absolutely necessary to ensure informed consent, the paper suggests certain short-comings within the regulations. The paper suggests that the current primary reliance on the regulations to ensure consumer protection is inadequate. The paper suggests that consumer education is a key element that is currently lacking within the regulatory framework. Further, the paper suggests that the justification for stricter regulations or enforcement may be flawed. Finally, the paper proposes a more productive way of achieving the aim of protecting consumers.

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Singapore Regulation IT September 2009 Vol. 2, No. 8, Summer 2009

Derek Ho

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Derek Ho graduated from the National University of Singapore with an LLB (Hons), and started his career in Singapore, practicing corporate/commercial, telecommunications and IT law. Derek is currently working in a US based multi-national corporation as its legal counsel for the Asia Pacific region. The views expressed in this article are the author’s personal views.

Sybase Inc

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Sybase has a rich 25-year history as a technology leader. Celebrating 25 years of innovation, Sybase has created technology that enables the Unwired Enterprise for it’s customers and partners by delivering enterprise and mobile infrastructure, development and integration software solutions. The world's most critical data in commerce, finance, government, healthcare and defense runs on Sybase.

Singapore Regulation IT September 2009 Vol. 2, No. 8, Summer 2009