James Patto (29 March 2019): In what could be one of the biggest overhauls of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)  since the NPPs became the APPs, the Minister for Communications and the Arts, Mitch Fifield, and Attorney General, Christian Porter, have announced that the Federal Government is looking to make a number of significant changes to the privacy regime targeted at the social media and technology industry in Australia.1 Scrutiny on tech giants hits fever pitchThe proposals come at a time when there is heightened scrutiny of privacy compliance in Australia (and internationally) in the aftermath of the livestreaming of the...

Despite confusion about how the laws of mathematics could possibly co-exist with the Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment (Assistance and Access) Act 2018 (Cth) (AA Act),[1] the AA Act has (somehow) now successfully survived for over 2 months. What’s more, rumours have circulated that Australian intelligence and law enforcement agencies have actively been exercising their powers under the AA Act.[2]  Unfortunately the strict secrecy provisions in the AA Act[3] mean that three key questions about these enforcement actions will remain unanswered – How many notices have been issued?  Who has received a notice? What have “designated communications providers” been ordered to...

A bubble or echo chamber occurs when individuals only get exposure to knowledge and opinions which meet their own preferences and beliefs. A filter bubble occurs as a result of algorithms delivering personalised content online. The downside to living in a bubble being you no longer obtain exposure to other viewpoints. A banker’s bubble might narrow their viewpoint down to an evaluation of services based on the ability to make money. A lawyer’s bubble might narrow their viewpoint down to an engagement in activities which build their own reputation. A technologist’s pursuit of innovation might occur in a bubble where they fail...

In light of the EU's record-breaking € 4.3 billion antitrust fine against Google for its Android system, let's discuss what it means to compete with digital platform intermediaries in an online world. Join us for our next panel discussion taking place at Melbourne Law School on Thursday 2 August 2018 from 6 to 7:30pm. Please register here: https://www.vscl.org.au/events/ ...

If you are a drone enthusiast and have views to share with the VSCL on UAV regulation, we look forward to seeing you at our discussion group event next Thursday at KWM! Follow this link to register: https://www.vscl.org.au/events/ ...

US  - FCC votes to overturn net neutrality rules - http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-39973787...

The Supreme Court of Victoria has published an updated Practice Note (SC Gen 5 of 2017) dealing with the discovery, management, filing and presentation of electronic evidence in commercial matters.  Please refer to the following link to download the Practice Note - SCV Gen 5 Link...

"Human judgment requires a human face...

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