Australia launches AI Safety Institute and releases National AI Plan
The Labor government has recently announced the launch of the Australian AI Safety Institute (AISI), a national watchdog dedicated to ensuring the safe and responsible development of AI in Australia. The government will begin rolling out the AISI in early 2026. The AISI has been developed to oversee the deployment and regulation of AI technology […]
ReadmoreNo likes before sixteen: Australia’s social media minimum age restriction
On 10 December 2025, Australia became the first country to enforce a minimum age requirement for social media accounts. This landmark reform introduces the Social Media Minimum Age obligation (SMMA) under Part 4A of the Online Safety Act 2021 (Cth) (OSA), requiring platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent users under 16 from creating or […]
ReadmoreIntellectual property and AI – Retro-fitting current frameworks for new concepts
Artificial intelligence (AI) may be transforming how we work with information, but it’s also raising a number of questions as to what we ‘own’ – both as to what goes in, and what comes out. For instance, the Productivity Commission’s interim report into Harnessing Data and Digital Technology identified that restrictions on the use of […]
ReadmoreConsumer Express | October 2025 Edition
In the October 2025 edition of Consumer Express, we explore the latest legal and regulatory developments impacting the consumer sector, with a focus on the emerging trends and challenges our clients are navigating. This edition covers the continued growth in online retail spending, driven by the rise of mobile-first shopping experiences, as well as the […]
ReadmoreFederal Court confirms $5.8m penalty against Australian Clinical Labs over data breach
The Federal Court has confirmed Australian Clinical Labs (ACL) must pay a $5.8m civil penalty along with $400,000 in legal costs to settle proceedings commenced by the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).[1] The proceedings arose from the OAIC’s investigation into a cybersecurity attack on Medlab Pathology (Medlab) that exposed personal information relating to approximately 223,000 Australians,[2] […]
ReadmoreDenmark to let you control the use of your voice and likeness. What about Australia?
If your social media is dipping into uncanny valley territory, you’ve likely found a deepfake. Elegantly described by the eSafety Commissioner, deepfakes are videos, images, or audio showing a real person “doing or saying something that they did not actually do or say”. However, unlike the fakes of yesteryear, new AI technologies are not only […]
ReadmoreDeveloping or procuring AI? Here’s what you need to know
AI tools are bringing paradigm-shifting opportunities that will transform the way we work and interact. In a recent McKinsey survey, 78% of respondents indicated that their organisation uses at least some AI tools – an increase from only 50% prior to the generative AI boom of late 2022, spurred on by the public release of […]
ReadmoreNew mandatory ransomware payment reporting obligations now in force
Introduction Australia has taken a bold step in strengthening its cyber resilience with the introduction of the mandatory ransomware and cyber extortion payment reporting regime under Part 3 of the Cyber Security Act 2024 (Cyber Security Act). Effective from 30 May 2025, this new regime requires certain entities – including businesses with an annual turnover exceeding $3 million and […]
ReadmoreConsumer Express | May 2025 Edition
In the May 2025 edition of Consumer Express, we focus on the key developments impacting our consumer clients, including the positive duty to prevent unlawful sexual discrimination, updates on wage theft laws, and the complexities surrounding retail lease rent reviews. We also take a closer look at the ACCC’s 2025-2026 enforcement priorities and the potential […]
ReadmoreAustralian government bans DeepSeek: National security déjà vu
After the explosive debut of Generative AI models, particularly in the United States of America, a new contender has recently entered the AI landscape. Despite only being founded in 2023, DeepSeek, a Chinese tech company, has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) model which has drawn significant attention, both from users, governments and various financial markets. […]
ReadmoreBunnings’ use of facial recognition technology found to breach the Privacy Act – What lessons can be learned?
On 29 October 2024, after an almost 2-year investigation, the Australian Privacy Commissioner (Commissioner) determined that retail giant, Bunnings, had, through its use of facial recognition technology at 62 of its retail stores around the country between 6 November 2018 and 30 November 2021, interfered with the privacy of hundreds of thousands of customers.[1] Facial […]
ReadmoreConsumer Express | October 2024 Edition
In our tenth edition of Consumer Express we consider the hot topics facing our consumer clients, including the right to disconnect and what it really means, the first tranche of the new privacy reforms and how to prepare for what’s coming, helpful tips on structuring trade promotions, as well as AI washing. Our regulators have […]
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