AMSRO Launches Fake Research Reporting Platform

Australian industry body the Association of Market and Social Research Organisations (AMSRO) has launched a digital platform it calls 'Phish of the Day', through which members of the public can report fake or illegitimate research activities.

AMSRO says a majority of fake research is undertaken to sell products or services (known as 'sugging'), and that its new platform is designed to target dishonest operators so that Australians can feel confident when providing their opinions on the matters that affect them. Phish of the Day will enable AMSRO members and the general public to report any scams or non-genuine market and social research activities to the association - including telemarketing or sales activity masquerading as face-to-face, telephone or online interviews.

AMSRO will then investigate reports: either working with the reported organisation to ensure it complies with relevant legislation, or reporting it on to relevant enforcement bodies. Additionally, it has the power to discipline its own members for any inappropriate research conduct.

Craig Young (pictured), AMSRO President, comments: 'The recent Facebook and Cambridge Analytica scandal and the Banking Royal Commission's findings of misconduct both send a clear signal that trust and accountability are central issues for the general public and company leaders. AMSRO believes it is incumbent on the market and social research industry in Australia to take a more proactive stance in order to protect the public from unscrupulous operators, if we are to expect ongoing co-operation from the public, whose opinions are the lifeblood of our industry'.

Web site: www.amsro.com.au .