Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 May 2003

Vol. 567 No. 6

Written Answers. - Electronic Communications.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

183 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will examine the concerns of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 whose telephone account has been used by a computer programme fraudulently installed on their computer while on the Internet, which dials numerous premium, international and mobile phone numbers, leading to a substantial bill; if he has proposals to legislate on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14807/03]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern)

My Department is currently engaged in the transposition of a new EU regulatory framework for the electronic communications sector. The package of directives comprising the regulatory framework on electronic communications and services are designed to bring European Community legislation on electronic communications into line with the far-reaching technological and market changes in this area. Specifically, Directive 2002/58/EC concerning the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in the electronic communications sector is due to be transposed by 31 October 2003.

The directive requires that the use of electronic communications networks to store information or to gain access to information stored in the terminal equipment of a subscriber, such as a PC, is only allowed on condition that the subscriber is provided with clear and comprehensive information about the purposes of the processing, and is offered the right to refuse such processing. ComReg will investigate billing disputes with telecommunications operators in the event of the matter being referred for their attention.

Premium rate telephone calls are regulated under a code of practice administered by the regulator of premium rate telecommunications services, known as Regtel. Regtel is an independent body established in 1995 to administer a code of practice governing the activities of service providers using premium rate telecommunications services in Ireland. The function of the regulator is to supervise both the content and promotion of premium rate telecommunications service. The code of practice is enforced by a range of sanctions up to and including barring access by telecommunications network operators to a service which is in breach of the code. The regulator will investigate any complaint regarding the misuse of premium rate services if appropriate details are provided.

With regard to the Internet, subscribers should take precautions on an individual basis to protect their equipment, their personal records and security. Most Internet browsers, if properly configured, provide an initial level of security, for internet surfing. Access to inappropriate web sites can also be controlled with by adjustments to such browsers. There are also many relatively inexpensive internet security software programmes and packages available on the market and I strongly recommend that people should make use of them.