European Parliament passes new rules to revolutionise the battery lifecycle in Europe

The European Parliament is taking a decisive step in terms of battery technology with its commitment to making batteries more sustainable, durable, and better performing. By approving new rules for the design, production, and waste management of all types of batteries sold in the European Union (EU), the European Parliament seeking to revolutionise the battery …

China proposes stricter rules for facial recognition technology use

In a bid to balance technological innovation with individual privacy concerns, the Cyberspace Administration of China has introduced draft regulations aimed at governing the use of facial recognition technology. The move reflects the nation’s commitment to fostering responsible AI development and safeguarding citizens’ personal information with strict protective measures. Facial recognition technology has witnessed rapid …

Australian government proposes new Bill to combat online misinformation

In an era marked by the rapid dissemination of information and the growing influence of digital platforms, the Australian government has taken a significant step to tackle the rise of misinformation and disinformation. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has been granted new powers under the proposed Communications Legislation Amendment (Combating Misinformation and Disinformation) …

Meta subsidiaries fined $20 million for misleading consumers about data collection and use

The recent AU$20 million fine imposed on Facebook Israel and its subsidiary Onavo by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) serves as a stark reminder that privacy policies are not an infallible shield against regulatory scrutiny. The decision of Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) v Meta Platforms Inc [2023] FCA 842 underscores the …

Last modified on September 3rd, 2023 at 9:38 pm

Law Council emphasises need for privacy in upcoming Cyber Security review

In the recently released 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy Discussion Paper, the Law Council of Australia has emphasised the critical importance of upholding privacy rights by minimising invasive personal data collection practices in the upcoming Cyber Security Act. The Law Council recognises that while cybersecurity measures are essential to safeguard against cyber threats, these efforts …

Last modified on September 3rd, 2023 at 9:39 pm

Apple threatens to withdraw key services if UK’s surveillance bill passes

In the wake of the UK government’s proposed Online Safety Bill (Bill), Apple Inc. has taken a bold stance in defence of user privacy. The tech giant recently expressed its concerns over the far-reaching implications of the Bill, which could potentially compromise the privacy and security of millions of individuals using Apple devices in the …

Italy bans use of ChatGPT

Italy has become the first Western country to block the use of the artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot ChatGPT over insufficient regulatory oversight and suspected data collection breaches. The Italian Data-Protection Authority ordered OpenAI to temporarily stop processing Italian users’ data whilst the Italian Data-Protection Authority conducts an investigation into the chatbot’s compliance with Europe’s privacy …

Senator proposes new Digital Assets (Market Regulation) Bill 2023

Parliament is considering a new Bill that would establish a licensing regime and reporting requirements for digital asset exchanges. The Digital Assets (Market Regulation) Bill 2023 builds on the Digital Assets (Market Regulation) Bill 2022 published last year and seeks to regulate digital asset exchanges in Australia. The regulation of cryptocurrency in Australia has been …

CSIRO launches Responsible Artificial Intelligence Network to elevate Australia’s industry

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has announced the creation of a world-first Responsible Artificial Intelligence Network. The network will be led and will bring together industry, academia, and government to develop and promote ethical artificial intelligence (AI) practices. The network will focus on developing moral AI practices that are transparent, accountable, and …