Australian Privacy Reforms
Tracking Technology Experts Welcome Landmark Australian Privacy Reforms, Warn of Imminent Tort Impact
12th September 2024, Sydney Australia
Civic Data, a leading privacy advisory firm, welcomes the Australian Government's new privacy laws introduced in the House of Representatives and cautions entities to pay close attention to timelines.
Chris Brinkworth, Managing Partner of Civic Data, said: "These changes are crucial for safeguarding consumers as technology evolves”.
“The Attorney General’s department have clearly thought strategically on how to significantly reform unethical and risky privacy practices in the digital economy, while not rushing through wholesale reform just before an election”.
The reforms, with a new Tort that will impact unprepared businesses within just 6 months are significant in this way because they:
- Establish legal liability for serious privacy breaches
- Impose specific standards for automated systems and decisions
- Address both legal and technical aspects of data usage in digital customer experiences
Brinkworth stressed the urgent need for businesses to understand any technologies touching the customer data lifecycle comprehensively. Risks range from “basic, but risky tracking pixels” to the complexities of untrained staff ‘uploading vast spreadsheets of names and behaviours into social media advertising platforms’ – common practices already discussed in depth by the Australian Privacy Commissioner and highlighted within recent regulatory reports from the ACCC related to data use and digital platforms.
Brinkworth urged companies to adopt the ‘Fast Followers’ approach towards new legal standards, warning that “Slow Movers” could face penalties, operational disruptions, and a loss of customer trust within six months. He stressed the necessity of not waiting for a “next tier” of regulations before taking action, allowing companies to focus first on safely maintaining competitiveness while avoiding penalties.
Founded by former executives from leading technology and media companies, Civic Data leverages first-hand experience to offer robust tracking technology reviews, helping businesses meet stringent regulations and excel in consumer trust.
Contact Chris Brinkworth for more information +61 437 131 888 or chris.brinkworth@civicdata.com.au
