Bill passes House of Representatives to potentially ban TikTok in the US

The recent passage of a Bill by the United States House of Representatives has sent shockwaves through the tech world, particularly impacting social media giant TikTok. The Bill, aimed at protecting the data of American citizens, could potentially lead to a ban of TikTok in the US. This development underscores the ongoing concerns about data …

Latest Notifiable Data Breaches Report reveals risk of outsourcing information handling to third parties

The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) released its Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) Report for July to December 2023, providing valuable insights into the state of data security and privacy in Australia. The report highlights the persistent challenges faced by organisations in safeguarding sensitive information and underscores the importance of robust data protection measures. …

Australia and the United Kingdom unite to advance online safety and security

Australia and the United Kingdom are forging a strong partnership aimed at enhancing online safety and security for their citizens. The recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two nations signifies a collaborative effort to address the evolving challenges of the digital age. One of the primary objectives outlined in the MoU …

Australian Law Council explores whether artificial intelligence can draft legislation

The Australian Law Council’s recent research delves into the intricate relationship between legislation and artificial intelligence (AI), shedding light on the challenges and opportunities posed by the integration of AI technologies into legal frameworks. The study offers valuable insights into how AI can inform and potentially transform the legislative process. At the heart of the …

Federal Court applies financial services law to crypto-based financial products

The recent case of Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) v Web3 Ventures Pty Ltd [2024] FCA 64 sheds light on the regulatory landscape surrounding crypto-backed financial products. ASIC alleged that Web3 Ventures, trading as Block Earner, had engaged in conduct that required an Australian Financial Services (AFS) license by offering “Access” and “Earner” crypto-backed …

Australia establishes new artificial intelligence expert group

The Australian government has taken a significant stride towards fostering responsible and innovative artificial intelligence (AI) development with the establishment of a new expert group dedicated to shaping the nation’s AI strategy. Announced by the Minister for Industry and Science, the formation of this group follows the government’s interim response to the Safe and Responsible …

Proposed Bill to strengthen defamation laws for the digital age

In response to the evolving challenges posed by the digital landscape, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government has introduced new defamation laws aimed at providing stronger protections in the digital world. The Civil Law (Wrongs) Amendment Bill 2024 (Bill) reflects a growing recognition of the need to update legal frameworks to address the complexities of …

LexisNexis unveils revolutionary legal generative AI solution

LexisNexis, a leader in legal technology and information solutions in Australia and abroad, has introduced Lexis+ AI, a transformative legal generative artificial intelligence (AI) poised to revolutionise the Australian legal sector. This cutting-edge AI platform represents a significant leap forward in legal technology, promising to reshape how legal professionals conduct research, analyse cases, and deliver …

Australia’s Right to Disconnect Bill

In an era where digital connectivity blurs the lines between work and personal life, the concept of the “right to disconnect” has emerged as a crucial topic in Labor rights discussions. Originating in Europe, this notion addresses the need for boundaries between work and personal time, aiming to safeguard employee well-being in the face of …

New Telecommunications Financial Hardship Standard

On 6 February 2024, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) introduced a new industry standard, the Telecommunications (Financial Hardship) Industry Standard 2024 (the Standard). The Standard sets out new obligations and rules for telecommunications providers with respect to customers who are experiencing financial hardship (Financial Hardship Customers), replacing those currently in the industry code, …