The mobile phone. Its ubiquity is undeniable. Even in the most remote parts of the world, someone has a mobile phone to stay connected to what’s happening in and outside of their immediate environment.
This year’s recognition of World Consumer Rights Day on March 15 focuses on the rights of mobile phone users. Not just because of its pervasiveness, but that we seem to willingly and unknowingly sign away our rights just to have the latest gadget. With geo-location devices everywhere, not only can you be tracked via your mobile phone but since it has become a virtual computer in your pocket, it means your data can also be hacked, stolen, and/or intercepted by virtually anyone.
As privacy, or the lack thereof, becomes an ever increasing concern, there are five critical areas on which Consumers International, organizers of World Consumer Rights Day, wants you to focus. In strengthening mobile protection, telecommunication providers should:
1. Provide consumers with access to an affordable, reliable service.
2. Provide consumers with fair contracts explained in clear, complete and accessible language.
3. Provide consumers with fair and transparent billing.
4. Provide consumers with security and power over their own information.
5. Listen and respond to consumer complaints.
Importantly, there is a call for mobile phone providers to do more to protect users personal data and to put in place mechanisms to protect against the unauthorised use of users’ information, and even provide redress in instances where this has occurred. The following is an excerpt from The Consumer Agenda for fair mobile services as prepared by Consumers International.
“Availing mobile services also means entrusting personal data. There should be clear protection guidelines and mechanisms against any malicious usage or unauthorised solicitation of a consumer’s information. Consumers should have the utmost control on how their information can be utilised and this should be respected by all stakeholders in the telecommunications industry. In cases where the personal data of mobile consumers has been compromised, the incident should be properly reported immediately and the consumers should be provided proper redress.”
The document also calls for mobile number portability to be mandatory, to increase competition and reduce costs to the consumer when switching to another provider.
You may read the full document HERE:
To do your part, talk to your local telecoms provider and get involved in policy discussions on this issue.