MYOB Secure Invoicing Upgrade: update and Summary 11/03

Morning Mike,

Thank you for your reply.

As you have confirmed, there is no legislated requirement behind MYOB’s move to "Secure Invoicing". Similarly, there is no technical or legal necessity to reduce the functionality of the software for customers who choose not to opt in. Reducing functionality in order to compel customers to participate would, by any reasonable standard, amount to coercion.

The aspiration that "MYOB remains a trusted brand" is noted. However, trust and confidence are earned through transparency, reliability, and respect — they cannot be coerced. 

The privacy implications of the verification process are equally troubling. The volume and sensitivity of information being demanded — including corporate structures, banking details, director identification, shareholdings, and trust deeds — would ordinarily only be provided to a financial institution offering significant funding facilities, and only after robust regulatory checks and balances. Requiring such detailed information simply to continue using already-paid-for software is excessive and unjustified.

Since raising these concerns, I have already observed that the deadline for upgrading on the first impacted client file has shifted — from 13 days remaining last Friday to 34 days remaining today. While I appreciate flexibility, selective extensions reinforce the perception that these deadlines are arbitrary, inconsistent, and not genuinely based on technical need. I am not seeking special treatment — I am seeking a collaborative and respectful approach for all customers.

I urge MYOB to reconsider its strategy. Customers should be convinced to opt in through clear value and collaboration, not coerced through reduced functionality. MYOB must engage with customers, software providers, banks, industry bodies, and regulators to reduce fraud while respecting customer autonomy, privacy and choice.

Regards,

Ian