News Brief: English
Summary
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) altered a draft media release announcing enforcement action against gambling company Sportsbet following direct lobbying from the company. The changes softened language about the potential harm caused by Sportsbet’s spam violations. Critics allege an overly cozy relationship between the regulator and the industry it oversees.
Key Points
- Lobbying Success: Sportsbet pressured ACMA to change quotes from its chair in a 2022 draft press release about a record $2.5 million fine for spam law breaches.
- Watered-Down Language: Key sentences stating it was “highly likely” vulnerable people were targeted and that Sportsbet’s failures could cause “financial and emotional harm” were softened in the final version.
- Regulator Defends Actions: ACMA says changes were for “accuracy” and “procedural fairness,” denying the statement was diminished. It rejects claims of being too close to industry.
- Strong Criticism: MPs and integrity experts condemn the changes, calling the relationship “unhealthy” and accusing ACMA of failing to “stick to its guns.”
- Case Study Revealed: An expert details a case where a man with a severe gambling problem, who had unsubscribed, was personally contacted and incentivized to bet by a Sportsbet employee, leading to significant harm.
- Compensation Questioned: The same complainant did not receive a refund from Sportsbet’s compensation program, and the ACMA said it could not intervene in individual cases.
新闻简报：中文
摘要
澳大利亚通信和媒体管理局（ACMA）在博彩公司Sportsbet的直接游说后，修改了一份宣布对该司采取执法行动的新闻稿草案。修改内容弱化了关于Sportsbet垃圾信息违规行为可能造成伤害的措辞。批评者指称监管机构与其所监管的行业关系过于密切。
关键点
- 游说成功：Sportsbet施压ACMA，要求修改其主席在2022年一份新闻稿草案中的引述，该草案涉及因违反垃圾信息法而创纪录的250万澳元罚款。
- 措辞被弱化：草案中关键句子，如”极有可能”针对脆弱人群，以及Sportsbet的失误可能造成”财务和情感伤害”等表述，在最终版本中被软化。
- 监管机构辩护：ACMA称修改是为了”准确性”和”程序公平”，否认声明效力被削弱，并反驳与行业关系过密的指控。
- 强烈批评：议员和廉政专家谴责这一修改，称这种关系”不健康”，指责ACMA未能”坚持立场”。
- 案例披露：专家详述一案例：一名有严重赌博问题且已退订营销信息的男子，被Sportsbet员工亲自联系并激励其下注，导致其遭受重大伤害。
- 赔偿受质疑：同一投诉人未从Sportsbet的赔偿计划中获得退款，ACMA表示无法干预个案。
Original Article Link: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-31/sportsbet-pressure-acma-enforcement-announcement/106137264