The Australian Signals Directorate has provided its quarterly update for the Information Security Manual (ISM). This latest revision reflects the ever-evolving landscape of modern digital threats and the need for robust security measures. Compliance with the ISM is encouraged albeit voluntary. The ASD identified several notable new controls that have been added in this edition, …
Author Archives: alanarnott
Bill introduced to criminalise the sharing of deepfake pornography
The Australian government has announced plans to introduce new criminal laws aimed at combating the creation and sharing of sexually explicit deepfake content. This move comes in response to growing concerns about the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) technology to produce non-consensual intimate images and videos. The Criminal Code Amendment (Deepfake Sexual Material) Bill 2024 …
Continue reading “Bill introduced to criminalise the sharing of deepfake pornography”
IP Australia releases 2024 Intellectual Property Report
IP Australia has released its 2024 Intellectual Property Report. This annual publication provides valuable insights into the state of intellectual property (IP) in Australia and highlights key trends and developments in the field. Artificial intelligence (AI) was a focal point of the report, primarily in the realm of the administration of IP rights. IP Australia …
Continue reading “IP Australia releases 2024 Intellectual Property Report”
Australian Privacy Watchdog takes legal action against Medibank
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has initiated civil penalty proceedings against Medibank, one of Australia’s largest health insurers, in the Federal Court. This action comes in response to a significant data breach that occurred in October 2022, affecting millions of Medibank customers. The OAIC alleges that Medibank failed to take reasonable steps …
Continue reading “Australian Privacy Watchdog takes legal action against Medibank”
ASX approves first spot Bitcoin ETF in Australia
In a ground-breaking development for cryptocurrency investors, the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) has approved its first-ever spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF). This milestone comes at an interesting time as the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has begun its crackdown on digital asset providers. The launch of this ETF marks a significant shift in the …
Continue reading “ASX approves first spot Bitcoin ETF in Australia”
Productivity Commission releases report on the adoption of AI in business
The Productivity Commission published a critical report that has raised concerns about the lack of guidance provided by regulators on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in business. This gap is creating uncertainty and stifling innovation among Australian companies eager to leverage AI for enhanced productivity and competitive advantage. The Commission’s report underscores the pivotal …
Continue reading “Productivity Commission releases report on the adoption of AI in business”
Queensland Courts releases guidelines on the responsible use of artificial intelligence tools for non-lawyers
Queensland Courts has released a set of guidelines aimed at non-lawyers to ensure the ethical and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in legal processes. These guidelines are targeted at those who are representing themselves (or others) in any civil or criminal proceedings in Queensland courts and tribunals. AI technologies offer significant potential to streamline …
Amendments to Online Safety legislation impose further obligations on online service providers
A new set of amendments was registered for the Online Safety (Basic Online Safety Expectations) Determination 2022 (Cth). These amendments have created several additional expectations for online service providers. Online technologies have been routinely faced with emerging threats. This has namely been posed by artificial intelligence (AI) and recommender systems (social media algorithms), with particular …
Concerns mount over the sale of birth date and health data in Australia
Amid growing privacy concerns, experts warn about the potential misuse of Australians’ birth dates and health data. Katharine Kemp, a prominent voice in data privacy from UNSW, highlights the risks associated with the commercialisation of personal information. As digital transactions and online activities increase, so does the risk of personal data being exploited. Kemp’s insights …
Continue reading “Concerns mount over the sale of birth date and health data in Australia”
South Australian government moves to ban social media for kids under 14 years old
In a significant move aimed at protecting children from the potential harms of social media, the South Australian government has proposed a ground-breaking policy to ban social media access for children under 14. This initiative seeks to address growing concerns about the negative impact of social media on young minds. The proposed ban is part …
Continue reading “South Australian government moves to ban social media for kids under 14 years old”
