The UK's four mobile networks have joined with the UK's privacy commissioner to tackle nuisance text messages by using the GSMA's Spam Reporting Service.
The service, powered by Cloudmark, provides a worldwide clearinghouse of messaging threats and misuse. It enables operators to analyse spam attack patterns, identify the sources of attacks and shut down the sources as a result.
"The real-time information about spam attacks we are now receiving from the UK operators is helping us to quickly identify breaches in the Privacy of Electronic Communication Regulations (PECR), track down perpetrators and issue monetary penalties against them," said Steve Eckersley, Head of Enforcement, ICO.
UK mobile phone users are able to report nuisance text messages through a free-of-charge short code: '7726' or 'SPAM'. These are aggregated, and analysed, providing operators with important details about the origin and size of the attack. The service allows operators to share intelligence in real time to ensure that an attack detected on one network can be quickly isolated and prevented on others.
As a next step, EE, O2, Three, Vodafone and the ICO are investigating ways to extend the Spam Reporting Service to address nuisance calls.
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