Due to the recent controversy of camera phones and their associated uses, The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) has put forward their opinions in the regulating of this technology. AMTA is proud to be ‘the peak industry body representing Australia’s mobile telecommunications industry’. Their mission is ‘To promote an environmentally, socially and economically responsible and successful mobile telecommunications industry in Australia’ (Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association1, 2004). The associations Internet Webpage plays host to numerous documents and media releases which focus on the concerns and praises of mobile phones in the marketplace.
Mobile ‘courtesies’ are outlined in their approved ‘Mind Your Mobile Manners’. Specifically, point 9 entitled ‘Respect others’ privacy when using in-phone cameras’, highlights the view that camera phones should not be used in places where normal cameras are discouraged. Further, it states that ‘you should ask permission before you take someone’s picture’ (Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association2, 2004). However, in a media release ‘No Need for tighter controls on Mobile Phone Cameras’ a spokesman for AMTA stated,
Currently, the Commonwealth Crimes Act 1914 – Part VIIB, Section 85ZE states that ‘is is an offence for a person to knowingly or recklessly use a telecommunications service supplied by a carrier in such a way as would be regarded by a reasonable persons being, in all the circumstances, offensive’ (Australian Mobile Telecommunication Association3, 2004: par 6). At a state and territory level within Australia, the sending of images captured by camera phones is covered by classification laws which ‘prevent the publication of material that is objectionable, unclassified or unsuitable for minors’ (Mandia, 2004: par 19). Such regulations allow authorities to imprison offenders for one year.
The publication of photographs from camera phones on the Internet is still being explored.
Another influential body, the Australian Computer Society (ACS), continues to call for additional measures however, including the formation of a ‘working party of key representatives from the mobile phone industry, with broader industry representation from organisations such as the ACS’ (Mandia, 2004: par 26).
Regulations regarding camera phones continue to exist under debate. The laws that are in place are believed to be all-encompassing, yet as people continue to discover unlawful uses for the technology, representative bodies will lobby for tighter restrictions.
Related Topics in the Wiki
Youth Culture and New Technologies
Privacy and New Technologies-Government regulations
List of References
Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association1. 2004. “Home Page�, http://www.amta.org.au/ (accessed 08/08/04).
Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association2. 2004. ‘Mind Your Mobile Manners, http://www.amta.org.au/default.asp?Page=261 (accessed 08/08/04).
Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association3. 2004. ‘No need for tighter controls on mobile phone cameras’, May 31, http://www.amta.org.au/default.asp?Page=384 (accessed 08/08/04).
Mandia, E. 2004. ‘Naked truth of phonecams’, The Australian, June 29, http://search.epnet.com/direct.asp?an=200406291035667751&db=anh (accessed 08/08/04).
Back to Mobile Phones - Security and Privacy
Rebecca Praden 10:55, 27 Oct 2004 (EST)
