In a coordinated effort with the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US), Australia has imposed targeted financial sanctions and travel bans on three Russian citizens for their involvement in the notorious cybercrime group, Evil Corp. This marks the third use of Australia’s autonomous cyber sanctions framework, demonstrating the country’s commitment to combating malicious …
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In an era where digital connections often precede face-to-face meetings, online dating has become a popular way Australians meet potential partners. While many may have found meaningful relationships through platforms like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge, a disturbing trend has emerged. According to the Australian Institute of Criminology, three-quarters of Australian dating app users have experienced …
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In a significant move to combat rising cyber threats, the Albanese government has introduced Australia’s first standalone cyber security legislation to parliament. The proposed Act aims to fortify the nation’s digital defences amid an alarming surge in cyber incidents, which have increased by 23% in the past financial year–equating to one attack every six minutes. …
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Australia has unveiled a comprehensive Voluntary AI Safety Standard as part of its broader Safe and Responsible AI agenda. This initiative aims to provide practical guidance for organisations developing and deploying artificial intelligence (AI) systems while balancing innovation with safety concerns. The standard introduces 10 voluntary guardrails applicable across the AI supply chain, focusing primarily …
In response to the escalating scam crisis that cost Australians $2.7 billion in 2023, the government has unveiled a comprehensive Scams Prevention Framework. This economy-wide reform aims to protect the Australian community from increasingly sophisticated scams that exploit the digital economy. The framework, primarily amending the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, introduces strong obligations across …
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TikTok, the popular short-video app used by 170 million Americans, is fighting for its survival in the United States (US). The company, along with its Chinese parent ByteDance, has taken legal action to block a US law that could ban the app as soon as 19 January 2025. In a federal appeals court hearing, TikTok’s …
The Australian Government has taken its first step towards modernising the nation’s privacy laws with the introduction of the Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024. This initial tranche of reforms addresses 23 of the 116 proposals outlined in the Privacy Act Review Report, leaving many significant changes for future legislation. Key reforms include: Automated …
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The Albanese Labor Government has announced plans to introduce legislation before the next federal election to enforce age restrictions on social media access for young Australians. This move comes amid growing concerns about the harmful effects of social media on youth mental health and well-being. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described social media’s impact on young …
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Effective 26 August 2024, employees are permitted to refuse non-small business employers (and 26 August 2025 for small businesses) or third-party contact outside of working hours under certain conditions. This new regulation aims to protect employees’ personal time and well-being. The right to disconnect applies to various forms of communication, including calls, emails, texts, and …
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The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has announced it will cease its pursuit of Clearview AI, a controversial facial recognition company, despite lingering questions about the company’s compliance with previous rulings. In 2021, the OAIC found Clearview AI in breach of Australians’ privacy by collecting facial images without consent. Clearview AI claims to …
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