Farmer’s thumbs-up emoji held to be electronic signature

In a recent Canadian case, the use of emojis as a means of confirming a contract has raised intriguing questions about the ever-evolving landscape of contract law in the digital age. This case involved a dispute between South West Terminal Ltd (SWT) and Achter Land & Cattle Ltd (Achter) over a contract for the delivery …

Data transfers between the US and EU commence under the Trans-Atlantic Data Privacy Framework

The European Union (EU) has taken a momentous leap towards reinforcing data protection with its recent adequacy decision pertaining to the EU-US Data Privacy Framework. This significant development, as outlined in the European Commission’s press release, signifies a pivotal stride in safeguarding data privacy, facilitating international data flows, and strengthening EU-US relations. The adequacy decision …

Joint statement by 12 international privacy commissioners warns against data scraping

Safeguarding personal information has become a paramount concern for both individuals and governments. A joint statement signed by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) alongside 11 counterparts in the Global Privacy Authority’s International Enforcement Cooperation Working Group highlights the global expectations placed on social media platforms and other websites to protect against unlawful …

Australian Government responds to Age Verification Roadmap

The Australian government has released its long-anticipated response to the “Roadmap for Age Verification,” a comprehensive document addressing age verification challenges in various industries, particularly those involving online services and content. This response represents a significant step forward in ensuring the safety and protection of minors online. The roadmap, which hwas initially proposed by the …

Meta suspends fact-checker amidst Indigenous Voice referendum

Facebook’s parent company, Meta, has suspended the RMIT FactLab fact-checking team, casting a shadow of doubt over the ongoing discourse surrounding the Indigenous Voice to Parliament Referendum in Australia. This unexpected move has raised concerns about the future of fact-checking on social media platforms and its implications for informed democratic discourse. The RMIT FactLab, a …

IP Australia releases guidance on trade mark classification of emerging technology

Intellectual Property Australia (IP Australia) has recently released new guidance that addresses the classification of trade marks for emerging technologies, providing clarity in an ever-evolving landscape. This is a response to the increase in trade mark applications relating to virtual goods, metaverse, non-fungible tokens (NFT), and the blockchain. Virtual goods According to IP Australia, virtual …

DoorDash fined $2M for spam texts and emails

In a garish move highlighting the growing concerns surrounding digital communication ethics, food delivery giant DoorDash has been hit with a substantial $2 million penalty by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for its relentless spam breaches. The penalty serves as The ACMA’s decision comes as a response to DoorDash’s continuous and unchecked spam …

Australian Community Attitudes to Privacy Survey reveals privacy concerns

The recently published Australian Community Attitudes to Privacy Survey 2023 sheds light on the evolving perceptions and concerns of individuals towards their personal information in an increasingly digital world. Conducted by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC), the survey presents valuable insights into how Australians view privacy, data protection, and the role of …

European Parliament passes new rules to revolutionise the battery lifecycle in Europe

The European Parliament is taking a decisive step in terms of battery technology with its commitment to making batteries more sustainable, durable, and better performing. By approving new rules for the design, production, and waste management of all types of batteries sold in the European Union (EU), the European Parliament seeking to revolutionise the battery …

China proposes stricter rules for facial recognition technology use

In a bid to balance technological innovation with individual privacy concerns, the Cyberspace Administration of China has introduced draft regulations aimed at governing the use of facial recognition technology. The move reflects the nation’s commitment to fostering responsible AI development and safeguarding citizens’ personal information with strict protective measures. Facial recognition technology has witnessed rapid …