Email remains a critical communication tool for organisations, but its use comes with significant security risks. To mitigate these risks, organisations must develop, implement, and maintain a robust email usage policy. The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) has released guidelines for establishing such a policy to ensure that email systems are used securely and responsibly, protecting …
Author Archives: alanarnott
OAIC Announces Digital ID Regulatory Strategy
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) serves as Australia’s independent national regulator for privacy and freedom of information. Its mission is to safeguard individuals’ rights to access government-held information while ensuring the protection of their personal data. As the privacy regulator for Australia’s Digital ID System and other identity-related entities, the OAIC plays …
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ACCC Welcomes Passage of Scams Prevention Framework Bill in Parliament
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has welcomed the passage of the Scams Prevention Framework Bill in Parliament, marking a significant milestone in the fight against scams. This world-first legislation introduces consistent and enforceable obligations for businesses in key sectors where scammers operate, enhancing protections across the economy. ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe described …
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Australia Becomes Participant to AI Action Summit
Australia, alongside 100 other countries, international organisations, civil society, and private sector leaders, has now become a signatory to the AI Action Summit convened in Paris. The Summit sought to address the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI). Recognising AI’s potential to reshape societies, economies, and the planet, participants aligned their efforts with the Paris …
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Australia’s Cyber Security Act Bolsters Digital Protection Nationwide
Australia has taken a significant step forward in safeguarding its digital landscape with the introduction of the Cyber Security Act 2024, the nation’s first standalone cybersecurity law. Passed in November 2024, this landmark legislation aims to address the growing threats posed by cybercrime, ransomware attacks, and vulnerabilities in smart devices. The Act is a key …
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OAIC Launches New Freedom of Information Dashboard
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has introduced a new statistics dashboard designed to enhance public access to data about Australia’s freedom of information (FOI) system. This innovative tool provides key FOI data reported by Australian Government agencies and ministers, updated quarterly, to offer greater transparency and insight into how the FOI system …
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Australia Passes Landmark Social Media Ban for Under-16s
Australia has taken a bold step in social media regulation, passing legislation that will ban children under 16 from having social media accounts. The new law, which garnered support from 77% of Australians, gives social media platforms 12 months to implement age verification systems or face hefty fines of up to A$50 million. The legislation …
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US Supreme Court Signals Support for TikTok Ban Amid National Security Debate
The United States Supreme Court appears inclined to uphold legislation that would effectively ban TikTok unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, sells the platform before 19 January 2025. During nearly three hours of arguments, the Court’s justices focused heavily on national security concerns while weighing them against free speech protections. The law, which received bipartisan …
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Australia Unveils New AI Regulation Proposal with Mandatory Safeguards
The Australian Government has announced a comprehensive proposal to regulate artificial intelligence (AI), introducing mandatory guardrails for high-risk AI systems alongside a voluntary AI safety standard. The proposal, released in September 2024, aims to address growing concerns about AI safety and low public trust in AI technologies. The new regulatory framework centres on ten mandatory …
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Australia Passes Landmark Privacy Reforms with New Anti-Doxxing Laws and Privacy Tort
Australia has taken a significant step forward in modernising its privacy laws with the passage of the Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024. The legislation, which cleared both Houses of Parliament in late November, introduces several groundbreaking changes to protect individuals’ privacy in the digital age. One of the most notable reforms is the …
