The Australian Government has unveiled groundbreaking legislation that will set a minimum age requirement of 16 years for social media use, marking a significant shift in digital policy aimed at protecting young people online. The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 places the responsibility squarely on social media platforms to prevent users …
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The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has released new guidance for private sector organisations on the use of third-party tracking pixels, responding to growing concerns about online privacy and surveillance. The guidance aims to help businesses navigate their obligations under the Privacy Act while using these digital marketing tools. Recent findings from the …
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China has unveiled its latest Network Data Security Management Regulations, set to take effect on 1 January 1 2025. The Regulations mark a significant shift from earlier more restrictive approaches to data security, particularly regarding the classification of ‘Important Data’. The new Regulations adopt a more business-friendly stance while maintaining necessary security measures. A key …
In a groundbreaking decision, the Victorian County Court has recognised a distinct cause of action for invasion of privacy in Australian common law. The ruling in WALLLER Lynn (A Pseudonym) v BARRETT Romy (A Pseudonym) [2024] VCC 962 marks a significant shift in how Australian courts protect individual privacy rights. Judge Tran’s decision emerged from …
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The Australian federal government has announced sweeping new legislation aimed at protecting citizens from online scams. The legislation proposes fines of up to $50 million for social media platforms, telecommunications companies, and banks that fail to act against fraudulent activities. Under the new Scam Code Act, these organisations will be required to report scams immediately …
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In response to the growing need for responsible artificial intelligence (AI) implementation, a new framework called the AI Impact Navigator has been introduced by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources to help organisations assess and report on their AI systems’ actual impact. Unlike existing frameworks that focus primarily on internal governance, this tool provides …
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The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has released new guidance clarifying how the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) applies to organisations developing and using generative artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The move comes amid growing public concern about how personal information is being used to train AI models. The guidance outlines clear boundaries for appropriate …
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The Australian government is set to enhance its critical infrastructure protection through the Security of Critical Infrastructure and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 (Cth) (Bill). This comprehensive reform package introduces significant changes to strengthen cybersecurity measures and expand regulatory oversight. A key feature of the Bill is the broadened definition of critical infrastructure assets to …
The case of Handa & Mallick [2024] FedCFamC2F 957 (19 July 2024) in the Federal Circuit and Family Court case has sparked controversy in Australia’s legal community after a lawyer submitted fabricated case authorities generated by artificial intelligence (AI). The incident came to light when Justice James Turnbull grew suspicious of citations he couldn’t locate …
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The Australian Treasury has launched a significant review of how the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) applies to artificial intelligence (AI) enabled products and services, releasing a discussion paper this month that seeks stakeholder input on crucial consumer protection issues in the AI era. This initiative follows the Department of Industry’s broader examination of AI safety …
