Category Archives: Uncategorised

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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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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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 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 …

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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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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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In a recent Canadian case, the use of emojis as a means of confirming a contract has raised intriguing questions about the ever-evolving landscape of contract law in the digital age. This case involved a dispute between South West Terminal Ltd (SWT) and Achter Land & Cattle Ltd (Achter) over a contract for the delivery …

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The European Union (EU) has taken a momentous leap towards reinforcing data protection with its recent adequacy decision pertaining to the EU-US Data Privacy Framework. This significant development, as outlined in the European Commission’s press release, signifies a pivotal stride in safeguarding data privacy, facilitating international data flows, and strengthening EU-US relations. The adequacy decision …

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Safeguarding personal information has become a paramount concern for both individuals and governments. A joint statement signed by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) alongside 11 counterparts in the Global Privacy Authority’s International Enforcement Cooperation Working Group highlights the global expectations placed on social media platforms and other websites to protect against unlawful …

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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 …

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