The Wine Group fined more than $ 200,000 for spam for customers via text messages, calls

An online wine vendor was fined $ 200,000 for violating spam and telemarketing laws, and the regulator believed the company’s actions could jeopardize vulnerable people.

Wine Group, which sells Oak Road Estate and Top Drop, sent unsolicited text messages to consumers who tried to unsubscribe, made telemarketing calls to phone numbers in the Do Not Call register after consumers withdrew their consent. failed to complete telemarketing calls on request.

The Australian Communications and Media Agency (ACMA) has ordered The Wine Group to pay $ 204,240 in the form of a report of violations for violating several spam and telemarketing laws.

ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin said that in addition to invading privacy, Wine Group’s actions could endanger people who are vulnerable.

“We have received a number of complaints from people who claim that The Wine Group’s unsolicited marketing has caused them significant stress and frustration due to personal circumstances,” Ms. O’Loughlin said.

“People refuse to receive marketing SMS and calls, sometimes for deeply personal reasons. Industry must respect consumer choice. ”

Ms. O’Loughlin said the ACMA had given The Wine Group the opportunity to fix compliance issues before launching a formal investigation.

She said the company had been contacted several times and reported that the government had received consumer complaints about its marketing, but it had not been able to properly address the issues.

In addition to the fines that were paid, ACMA has accepted a comprehensive three-year legal commitment from The Wine Group, which requires the appointment of an independent consultant to verify compliance with spam and telemarketing rules and make improvements if necessary. .

The ACMA will also actively monitor Wine Group’s review and implementation of improvements, Ms. O’Loughlin said.

Over the past 18 months, businesses have paid more than $ 3.5 million in fines for violating spam and telemarketing laws.

The ACMA has also made 15 commitments and has issued six official warnings to businesses.

“All businesses are aware that they need to take marketing requirements very seriously, otherwise we will take action,” Ms. O’Loughlin added.