ACMA crackdown delivers drop in illegal radio device sales

The ACMA says its campaign to tackle the online supply of illegal radio communications devices has helped drive a significant drop in the number of devices advertised for sale on online platforms in Australia.

The non-compliant devices include two-way radios, illegal jammers, mobile phone boosters and unauthorised cellular mobile repeaters. These devices can interfere with communications services and networks, including access to emergency services.

The ACMA undertook an audit over five weeks during April and May 2026, following an extensive education and compliance campaign, and examined listings on Amazon Australia, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, Kogan, Temu and Shein.

The audit identified 361 non-compliant and illegal listings, down from 1162 in the ACMA’s 2024–25 audit, a 69% decrease. The listings identified included:

• 292 non-compliant two-way radios
• 55 unauthorised cellular mobile repeaters and mobile phone boosters
• 14 jammers.
   

All 361 listings were removed after the ACMA contacted the platforms, with most platforms acting within 24 hours.

Since 2022, the ACMA has run a sustained campaign to tackle the online supply of dodgy devices. The campaign has combined targeted advertising and consumer education, proactive engagement with online platforms, audit and removal activity, and the launch of the Equipment Safety Pledge.

The pledge sets out voluntary commitments for participating platforms to detect and prevent listings, cooperate with the ACMA, educate sellers and help consumers report non-compliant and illegal communications devices.

The audit results indicate the ACMA’s campaign is driving change. Notably, platforms that have signed the Equipment Safety Pledge demonstrated significant reductions in non-compliant and illegal listings and improved response times.

The ACMA is encouraging all online sites that supply communications devices to sign up to the Equipment Safety Pledge and help protect Australians from illegal and non-complaint radio devices.

The ACMA’s website offers advice on how to spot a dodgy device and how to report illegal equipment.

Image credit: iStock.com/Supatman