The UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has launched investigations into three major social media and video-sharing platforms – TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur – over concerns about their handling of children’s personal data. These probes focus on potential breaches of UK data protection laws, particularly for users aged 13 to 17. The ICO is examining TikTok’s …
Author Archives: alanarnott
Ransomware Reporting Rules To Come Into Effect
According to the Annual Cyber Threat Report 2023-2024, ransomware was involved in 71% of extortion-related cyber incidents handled by the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD). In response, the Cyber Security Act 2024 (Cth) introduces mandatory ransomware payment reporting obligations for businesses, taking effect on 30 May 2025. The new rules apply to businesses operating in Australia with an annual turnover …
Continue reading “Ransomware Reporting Rules To Come Into Effect”
ASD Releases Guidelines for Email Usage
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 …
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 …
Continue reading “OAIC Announces Digital ID Regulatory Strategy”
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 …
Continue reading “ACCC Welcomes Passage of Scams Prevention Framework Bill in Parliament”
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 …
Continue reading “Australia Becomes Participant to AI Action Summit”
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 …
Continue reading “Australia’s Cyber Security Act Bolsters Digital Protection Nationwide”
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 …
Continue reading “OAIC Launches New Freedom of Information Dashboard”
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 …
Continue reading “Australia Passes Landmark Social Media Ban for Under-16s”
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 …
Continue reading “US Supreme Court Signals Support for TikTok Ban Amid National Security Debate”
