Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004
685 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has plans to tackle, or ensure that telecoms providers tackle the increasingly common problem of modem hijacking whereby an Internet user’s connection is redirected to an expensive long-distance number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21490/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have no function in the matter raised by the Deputy. Responsibility for the protection and promotion of consumer interests rests with the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, under the Communications (Regulation) Act 2002 and the New Regulatory Framework for Electronic Communications, which came in to effect in July 2003. This legislation outlines ComReg's role in this regard.
As a result of its obligation under the legislation, ComReg has recently given directions to Internet service providers and providers of telecommunications services to protect consumers from modem hijacking and autodiallers.
ComReg's decision of 20 September 2004 in this matter provides further information on the issue.
