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Optus was fined $1.5 million by the communications watchdog after the telecommunications company was found to have breached public safety rules.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority found that Optus failed to upload the details of 200,000 mobile customers to a database used by emergency services between January 2021 and September 2023.
The integrated database of public numbers is used to provide information to police, fire or ambulance services during triple zero calls, as well as to issue emergency alerts in disasters such as forest fires.
Samantha Yorke, from the authority, said an investigation into Optus was launched after a compliance audit found data had not been submitted.
Optus has been fined $1.5 million after it was found to have violated public safety rules.
“While we are not aware of anyone being directly harmed due to the breach in this case, it is alarming that Optus has put so many customers in this position for so long,” he said.
“Optus cannot outsource its obligations, even if part of the process is carried out by a third party.”
In addition to the financial penalty, Optus will be required to carry out an independent review of its compliance with the database, which is enforced judicially, and adopt any of the recommendations made.
Optus could be fined an additional $10 million if it fails to comply with the review requirements.
“All telecommunications companies must have systems in place to ensure they meet their obligations, including establishing robust monitoring and assurance processes for third-party providers,” Ms Yorke said.
“When emergency services are hampered, there can be very serious consequences for the safety of Australians.”
An Optus spokesperson said it accepted that adequate audits had not been carried out to ensure database requirements were met.
“We apologize for this and accept that we have not met community expectations,” the spokesperson said.
‘Optus has now introduced such audits and performance checks on its suppliers to ensure this issue is not repeated. Optus accepts the ACMA’s findings and has agreed to an enforceable undertaking.
The communications watchdog has fined five other telcos a combined $2 million for similar database liability breaches in the past 18 months.