The Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee has issued 12 recommendations on how to improve the Identity Verification Services Bill 2023, focusing on privacy safeguards. The Bill creates a legislative framework that underpins the function of the government’s identity verification services, which are used to compare and verify individual information against documents and existing …
Author Archives: alanarnott
ATO releases web guidance on cryptocurrency taxation
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has recently released extensive non-binding web guidance on taxing crypto assets for individuals engaging in crypto activities. The guidance spans three crucial subsections, aiming to shed light on the taxation nuances surrounding crypto asset transactions involving gift cards or debit cards, crypto asset prizes and gambling winnings, and the complexities …
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Social media platform X fined $610,000 for reporting failure
The eSafety Commissioner has imposed a hefty fine of $610,000 on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, citing a significant failure in reporting mechanisms. The penalty underscores the growing importance of accountability and user safety in the realm of social media in Australia. The eSafety Commissioner took decisive action against X after …
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The Bletchley Declaration ushers in global artificial intelligence unity
The Bletchley Declaration was signed by Australia and 27 other countries at the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Safety Summit in Bletchley Park, United Kingdom. The Declaration establishes a pivotal shared understanding of the opportunities and risks associated with frontier artificial intelligence and is designed to unify the countries in the responsible development and use of AI …
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The Cyber Threat Report 2022-23 records rise in cyber attacks
The Australian Cyber Security Centre, under the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), published the annual Cyber Threat Report 2022-23. The report highlights escalating cyber threats throughout various Australian industries as malicious actors demonstrated the intent and capability to compromise vital systems. To summarise: State actors, focusing on critical infrastructure, were specifically susceptible to data theft and …
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Key findings from the OAIC 2022-23 Annual Report
The recently published Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) Annual Report for the 2022-2023 fiscal year offers a comprehensive evaluation of the work performed by the OAIC to uphold data protection and privacy in Australia. The OAIC’s functions include conducting investigations, managing complaints, reviewing decisions under freedom of information legislation, monitoring agency administration, and …
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How modern vehicles collect and use your data
The automotive industry is undergoing a technological revolution, with modern vehicles equipped with a plethora of sensors and advanced computing capabilities. While these innovations have significantly enhanced the driving experience, they have also raised concerns about the collection and sharing of sensitive consumer data. From GPS locations to personal preferences, vehicles are increasingly becoming repositories …
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The ACCC and OAIC release Compliance and Enforcement Policy for the Consumer Data Right
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) recently published their joint Compliance and Enforcement Policy for the Consumer Data Right (CDR), solidifying the regulatory framework for data sharing among businesses and consumers. The policy aims to enhance data protection, promote transparency, and ensure compliance with the …
Treasury releases Proposal Paper for cryptocurrency licensing
The Australian Treasury has released a Proposal Paper introducing a regulatory framework to address consumer harms in the cryptocurrency ecosystem whilst supporting innovation and development. This entails regulating exchanges, custodians, and other digital asset service providers in line with the Australian Financial Services (AFS) licensing scheme. The introduction of licensing requirements is expected to bring …
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Telecommunications regulations amendment extended by 12 months
The Telecommunications Amendment (Disclosure of Information for the Purpose of Cyber Security) Regulations 2023 (Amendment) commenced on 30 September 2023. The Amendment extends the operation of ss 15A and 15B of the Telecommunications Regulations 2021 for an additional year. Doing so grants the government more time to weigh in on the ongoing appropriateness and effectiveness …
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