A fraudulent email about Phonepayplus has been circulated – please disregard

It has come to our attention that a fraudulent email has been sent to a number of industry participants from an unknown source suggesting the resignation of PhonepayPlus’s Acting Chief Executive. This is not true.

For more details please read the statement given by PhonepayPlus this afternoon: http://www.phonepayplus.org.uk/News-And-Events/News/2015/1/Fraudulent-email.aspx

 

The Early Warning System is here

 

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AIME are pleased to announce the launch of the Early Warning System (EWS) this week; accessible from the News Menu of AIME, or directly from http://ews.aimm.co.

The Early Warning System is a Digital Marketing Community blogging system designed to alert advertisers of malware and malpractices that have been spotted by other advertisers, anti-virus companies, PhonepayPlus, security specialists and other UK businesses.  EWS goes hand in hand with the AIME Digital Marketing Guide (available from here)
EWS is for use by both AIME Members and non members. Only Members have access to Member contributed content, but everyone has access to basic level information. All information is behind password control, and on first access you will be required to set up a new account to be able to login.
All Digital Marketing advertisers and monitoring companies are encouraged to contribute information for sharing.

Receive Twitter alerts from EWS by following @AIMEWarnings https://twitter.com/AIMEWarnings

If you have any queries, or you want to get your new EWS account set up, email us on: info@aimm.co

 

AIME PRS Market Confidence Survey Open

The annual AIME PRS market confidence survey is now open for member feedback on the link below.

The past 12 months have been a particularly volatile period for the mobile payment industry, with revenues falling dramatically in a number of content verticals. We encourage all members to participate in the short 10 question survey to help develop an understanding of the key market drivers.

The output of the survey is an important tool to aid AIME’s dialogue with Government and regulators and shape industry initiatives to facilitate market growth.

Individual response will be handled in strict confidence and data will only be published in an aggregated form.

Respond Now

12th Code Review Statement and the proposed AIME positions

AIME is to submit a response to the recent PhonepayPlus statement on the 12th Code Review.

A full consultation is due in the summer to shape the code amendments and PhonepayPlus has approached AIME for initial views on the key proposals to help with the consultation requests.

The key proposals and AIME’s proposed position are as follows:

–          An increase to Live Service spend cap from £30 to £45, with spend reminders at £15 and a positive opt-in to go beyond £30 – AIME is proposing support for the spend cap, though has concerns over the application of the £15 reminder and there may be flaws in the research which has guided the viewpoint.

–          Introduction of monthly children’s services spend cap (4x the £3.00 service charge, or £20) – AIME supports appropriate protection of minors and favours the £20 option, though believe that there could be allowance for parental override to set higher spending limits if facilities exist. AIME has requested a detailed workshop with PPP to develop stronger and clearer guidance as to the definition of children’s services and how that definition is applied.

–          Removal of some, or all, Prior Permissions regimes by re-housing the requirements into a code appendix – AIME currently supports this as it will improve efficiencies but may need to assist PPP to decide which, if any stay in place.

–          Strengthening of the implementation of the polluter pays principle – AIME has been supportive of the polluter pays principle, where pollution has deliberately occurred, though will request further work and detail around what is meant by “strengthening”.

–          Changes to the ‘Vulnerability’ definition and scope (current Rule 2.3.10) – AIME Members require greater clarity and discussion to ensure balanced interpretation. AIME is currently minded towards a wider set of criteria that needs to be satisfied to determine vulnerability.

–          Changes to power to determine L1 / L2 status (current rule 5.3.8c) – AIME believes the motivation for this change needs to be communicated before we can express an opinion.

–          Oral Hearing only to be available after completion of paper based adjudication – AIME has concerns around the potential impact on access to justice, which need to be addressed before changes to the adjudication process should be considered.

–          Introduction of earlier withholds in Track 2 cases – This would duplicate powers already available via an Emergency Procedure, and would lessen the burden of proof necessary for PP+ to invoke powers. AIME feel that detailed checks and balances through tribunal signoff should remain in place and be re-enforced.

–          Introduction of admin costs for Track 1 cases – this proposal would be in line with the polluter pays  principle, though it currently lacks the necessary detail as to how disputed costs could be challenged without progressing the case to the full track 2 process.

–          Lower barrier for PP+ to seek a case review – This proposal carries the risk of double jeopardy and presently lacks a provision to make PP+ liable for costs if the review fails. Handling of withholds in the event of a review also requires discussion

Members are invited to comment on the proposals and AIME’s suggested positions through the following member survey.

More extensive comments can also be made to info@aimm.co or by calling David Ashman on 07710 762029. Member feedback is urgently needed to assist our response to PPP for 21st March.

Availability of Higher Tariffs Rates for Premium Rate Services (HRPRS)

Save for an adjustment for VAT in 2012, tariffs rates for Premium Rate Services (HRPRS) have been capped at the same level for 14 years, with no adjustment made for product innovation of inflation.

Issue

  • Market is being unduly constrained by out of date price restrictions
  • Margins are being squeezed by inflation and some services are no longer profitable
  • Fixed line industry unable to compete with mobile shortcodes services that can be up to £5
  • HRPRS review has been pinned to Ofcom NTS implementation not due until May 2015

Action Plan to Resolve

  • AIME proposing trial to Ofcom for matched VSC services on mobile to avoid price differential (mobiles cost more) – a major concern
  • Non supporting mobile networks should cap uplift to be in trial
  • Trial length set to allow time for NGN implementation
  • AIME invited to sit on committee to agree consumer comms strategy, next meeting 30th Sept
  • AIME feeding into industry research on pricing disclaimer message