ALP National Conference endorses Fair AI Taskforce
We recently outlined the key takeaways from Prime Minister Albanese’s 15 July 2026 speech announcing the establishment of mandatory ‘Australian Standards for AI’ (National AI Standards), a unified national framework designed to provide regulatory certainty for investors, developers and operators. Less than two weeks later, at the Australian Labor Party’s (ALP) 50th National Conference in […]
ReadmorePrime Minister announces national AI regulation: Key takeaways for investors, developers and operators
On 15 July 2026, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivered a speech [1] outlining the Australian Government’s approach to artificial intelligence (AI) regulation. The announcement signals a significant shift from piecemeal, sector-by-sector responses to a unified national framework. Below, we summarise the key announcements and their implications for businesses operating or investing in Australia. Australian standards […]
ReadmoreOAIC sweep highlights ad-tech privacy risks: Determinations against Medmate and Monash IVF’s use of tracking pixels
OAIC sweep highlights ad-tech privacy risks: determinations against Medmate and Monash IVF’s use of tracking pixels The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has drawn a clear line in the sand regarding the use of online tracking technologies in Australia, in its recent determinations following commissioner-initiated investigations into Medmate Australia Pty Ltd (Medmate)[1] and […]
ReadmoreGame of chance: July 2026 permit fee changes
Australian trade promotion regulators have increased permit application fees, effective 1 July 2026. Here is a practical refresher on where and when permits are required for games of chance in Australia and an outline of the new fees. Authored by: Antoine Pace, Partner Crystal Lee, Paralegal Jade Lamb, Paralegal Madison Sullivan, Paralegal
ReadmoreReflections on Privacy Awareness Week 2026: Building Trust Through Privacy Complaint Resolution
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner’s theme for Privacy Awareness Week 2026 is: ‘Trust is built here. In every privacy complaint. In every resolution.’ This theme highlights the critical role that privacy complaint handling plays in strengthening public confidence in how organisations manage their personal information. It signals a growing regulatory expectation that organisations […]
ReadmoreFacial recognition technology on trial
On 4 February 2026, the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) delivered its long-awaited decision in Bunnings Group Limited and Privacy Commissioner (Guidance and Appeals Panel) [2026] ARTA 130.[1] Following an appeal by Bunnings Group Limited (Bunnings) of the Australian Privacy Commissioner’s 2024 determination, the ART has now held that Bunnings’ use of facial recognition 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
ReadmoreGames of Chance: July 2025 Permit Fee Changes
The Trade Promotions regulators increased their fees on 1 July – see our handy one pager outlining the new fees, for where permits are needed across Australia. Click the image below to read the full update. If you found this insight article useful and you would like to subscribe to Gadens’ updates, click here. Authored by: […]
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 […]
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