Australian Government responds to Age Verification Roadmap

The Australian government has released its long-anticipated response to the “Roadmap for Age Verification,” a comprehensive document addressing age verification challenges in various industries, particularly those involving online services and content. This response represents a significant step forward in ensuring the safety and protection of minors online. The roadmap, which hwas initially proposed by the …

Meta suspends fact-checker amidst Indigenous Voice referendum

Facebook’s parent company, Meta, has suspended the RMIT FactLab fact-checking team, casting a shadow of doubt over the ongoing discourse surrounding the Indigenous Voice to Parliament Referendum in Australia. This unexpected move has raised concerns about the future of fact-checking on social media platforms and its implications for informed democratic discourse. The RMIT FactLab, a …

IP Australia releases guidance on trade mark classification of emerging technology

Intellectual Property Australia (IP Australia) has recently released new guidance that addresses the classification of trade marks for emerging technologies, providing clarity in an ever-evolving landscape. This is a response to the increase in trade mark applications relating to virtual goods, metaverse, non-fungible tokens (NFT), and the blockchain. Virtual goods According to IP Australia, virtual …

DoorDash fined $2M for spam texts and emails

In a garish move highlighting the growing concerns surrounding digital communication ethics, food delivery giant DoorDash has been hit with a substantial $2 million penalty by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for its relentless spam breaches. The penalty serves as The ACMA’s decision comes as a response to DoorDash’s continuous and unchecked spam …

Australian Community Attitudes to Privacy Survey reveals privacy concerns

The recently published Australian Community Attitudes to Privacy Survey 2023 sheds light on the evolving perceptions and concerns of individuals towards their personal information in an increasingly digital world. Conducted by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC), the survey presents valuable insights into how Australians view privacy, data protection, and the role of …

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 …