The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has imposed a fine of AUD 2.5 million (approximately USD 1.67 million) on Pizza Pan Group Pty Ltd (Pizza Hut) for violating the Spam Act 2003.
ACMA received complaints that Pizza Hut, a restaurant chain, sent marketing messages to consumers who had withdrawn their consent to receive such messages. Additionally, the complainants alleged that the messages did not contain a functional unsubscribe option.
ACMA determined that between January 1, 2023, and May 4, 2023, Pizza Hut sent approximately 4.3 million marketing messages to customers without an unsubscribe option, thus violating the Spam Act. Furthermore, Pizza Hut sent 5.9 million marketing messages to customers who had not consented or had previously unsubscribed from receiving such messages.
In light of these findings, ACMA imposed a fine of AUD 2.5 million (approximately USD 1.67 million) on Pizza Hut. ACMA also issued an enforcement notice requiring Pizza Hut to hire an independent consultant to review its compliance with spam regulations, make necessary improvements, and report regularly to ACMA.