A new law being proposed in Australia could see loot boxes in video games restricted to adults only. Loot boxes are in-game items that can be purchased with real money or in-game currency, and which contain a randomised selection of virtual items. These items can range from cosmetic upgrades to more powerful in-game weapons or …
The New Zealand government is primed to release new legislation that will require major tech companies, like Google and Meta, to pay media companies for publishing and sharing news like they do in Australia. The Minister of Broadcasting, Willie Jackson, commented that the legislation will be modelled on similar laws in Australia and Canada and …
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has commenced a formal investigation into the data handling practices of Medibank following its recent breach. The Commissioner of the OAIC is empowered to commence such an investigation under s 40(2) of the Privacy Act if it believes an act or practice may interfere with the privacy …
The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia has launched a pilot CyberWardens program to help 2.3 million small businesses across Australia to address cybersecurity risks. Based on the Australian Cyber Security Centre’s recent Annual Cyber Threat Report 2022, cybersecurity risks have exponentially increased, particularly affecting small businesses. Even a single email phishing attack could cost …
The High Court of Australia has marked the end of determining whether artificial intelligence (AI) may be named as an inventor. In the recent decision of Thaler v Commissioner of Patents [2022] HCATrans 199, the High Court rejected the application for special leave to appeal filed by the applicant and upheld the Full Court of …
The 21st century has seen advancements being made in technology at an unprecedented pace and volume. The ever-changing nature of technology has meant the innovation of new products and services, each requiring regulation due to the potential of its misuse and harm to society. This has also given rise to the development of a multitude …
Contracts are the cornerstone of commercial law. As well drafted contracts and agreements are the cornerstone of business relationships and business growth, much of a commercial law firm’s work will centre around assisting clients with contracts and other legal documents. It is essential that commercial contracts are properly drafted to ensure contract terms are legally …
Yuga Labs, the company behind the prominent Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) non-fungible tokens (NFT) collection, has commenced court proceedings in the Central District of California against artist Ryder Ripps over the alleged sale of copycat NFTs. In the cryptocurrency realm, the BAYC NFTs are regarded as the golden standard, with one jpeg selling for …
The members of the International Counter Ransomware Initiative (CRI) recently engaged in a 2-day summit at the White House to reaffirm their continued commitment to combat ransomware, counter illicit finance, and collaboratively improve cybersecurity resilience. With a universal push to combat malicious ransomware actors, the CRI objectives are designed to align national law and policy …
The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has released its Annual Cyber Threat Report detailing an overview of key cyber threats impacting Australia and how the ACSC is managing such threats to Australian businesses and consumers. The report covers the period between July 2021 and June 2022 and examines the impact of cyber crime across all …