Australia in the digital economy: consumer engagement in e-commerce

The term ‘digital economy’ covers the global network of economic and social activities that are enabled by digital information and communication technologies such as the internet, mobile and sensor networks. • the application of information and communication technologies (otherwise called ICT) to social and economic activity • internet and internet protocol (IP) technologies increasingly at the centre of digital economy developments. Why is the digital economy relevant to the ACMA? • Governments internationally have promoted the development of the digital economy to deliver economic and social goals. • The sectors that the ACMA regulates — telecommunications, broadcasting and radiocommunications — are at the centre of digital economy activity. • The DE is a growing source of ‘regulatory pressure’ — convergence of networks and services, consumers accessing voice and content services across multiple networks and devices. Scope of ACMA’s involvement (just a few examples): NBN implementation: transitioning of voice consumer protection Numbering and identity management Building trust and confidence: cybersafety, e-security, SPAM, filtering, interception Consumer protection issues Effective management of spectrum resources: the switch to digital TV, the Digital Dividend