From the OAIC: The Australian Information Commissioner, Timothy Pilgrim, has issued the following statement on the United States ‘PRISM’ surveillance program: Reports on the surveillance of the communications and online activity of citizens by US intelligence agencies have raised a number of questions, including what this means for the privacy of individuals. Privacy is a […] Read more »
Internet Law eNews Items
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IACCM publishes 20 critical information security controls
From the IACCM: The International Association for Contract & Commercial Management (IACCM) has published a useful checklist for businesses seeking a guide to information security controls. Based on the SANS Institute’s ‘Top 20 Critical Controls’ document, the guidance is useful for businesses to prioritise and fund information security initiatives. The top 20 tips are Inventory […] Read more »
Attorney General announces mandatory data breach notification laws
From the office of the Australian Attorney General: The Commonwealth Attorney General has announced new laws to be introduced into Parliament requiring businesses and organisations to inform individuals when a data breach involving their personal information has occurred. Attorney General Mark Dreyfus QC made the following remarks: “With businesses and government agencies holding more information […] Read more »
US Judge suggests evidence that Apple took part in eBook pricing conspiracy
From Cellular News: A US Federal Judge has stated that there is likely evidence that Apple had conspired to increase the price of eBooks. Apple has previously refused offers from the US Department of Justice (DOJ) to settle, as part of the DOJ’s ongoing investigation into the pricing of eBooks. At a pre-trial hearing US […] Read more »
ACMA warns AAPT about privacy
From the ACMA: The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has formally warned AAPT Limited (AAPT) regarding its to protect the privacy of its customers’ personal information as required by the Telecommunications Consumer Protections Code (TCP Code). The ACMA initiated an investigation into AAPT following media reports that some of AAPT’s customer data had been […] Read more »
OAIC investigating Telstra data breach
From the OAIC: The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has opened an investigation into a data breach that resulted in the publication of Telstra customer’s private information online. Australian Privacy Commissioner Timothy Pilgrim issued the following statement: “Telstra has briefed our office about this incident and advised that the documents are no longer […] Read more »
ACCC – Proceedings instituted against ByteCard Pty Limited for unfair contract terms
From the ACCC: The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has commenced proceedings in the Federal Court against Internet Service Provider ByteCard Pty Limited (ByteCard, better known as Netspeed Internet Communications) alleging that a number of clauses in the ByteCard standard form consumer contracts are unfair contract terms and should be declared void. The alleged […] Read more »
California introduces ‘right to know’ data access bill
From ZDNet: California Assembly Member Bonnie Lowenthal has introduced a bill that may force companies operating in the state to follow EU-style data and privacy rules. The Bill follows intensive lobbying by two major US privacy groups, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and the Northern Californian branch of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). The […] Read more »
Key EU nations take legal action against Google
From TechNewsWorld: 6 key EU nations have joined forces to take legal action against Google over the privacy protections of its user data. France, Spain, Italy, the UK, the Netherlands and Germany have announced that they will take joint legal action against Google over its privacy policies. The action will include investigations, and possible fines. […] Read more »
Case Note: Rana v Google Australia Pty Ltd [2013] FCA 60
From the Federal Court, Inforrm’s Blog and Defamation Watch: The Federal Court has issued its decision in Rana v Google Australia Pty Ltd [2013] FCA 60. The decision has been described as a win of sorts for Google, though not entirely in the terms that they would have preferred. Facts/Background Mr Rana sought damages from […] Read more »
Microsoft Launches Patent Monitoring Service
From Forbes and Microsoft: Microsoft has launched a service designed to enable anyone to determine which of its patents are owned and by whom. The internet based patent monitory service tracks changes to a variety of Patent Registers in Europe and North America to help with its cause. The Patent tracker can also track changes to patent families and […] Read more »
Groupon warned by ACMA about its email unsubscribe process
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has formally warned online retailer Groupon Australia Pty Ltd after determining that they had sent daily email newsletters to people without their consent. Consumers complained that the unsubcription service offered by Groupon only ubsubscribed them from one of several Groupon daily newsletters, and that they continued to receive […] Read more »
NBN Satellite Launch Contract Signed
From the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy: NBN Co has signed a contract for the launch of two next-generation satellites to deliver high-speed broadband to Australians living in rural and remote areas. “The contract is the final step needed to ensure that the NBN’s long-term satellite service is available to people living […] Read more »
What Australian businesses need to know about cloud compliance
From ZDNet: Australia often draws up regulation based on tried and tested laws from around the world. But there are times when the country pushes for bold new legislation that may be out-of-step with our technology-centric modern society. Prime examples of these include changes to its Privacy Act, which have taken four years to reach […] Read more »
TCP Code Requirements Effective 1 March
From the Communications Alliance Ltd: The new Telecommunications Consumer Protections (TCP) Code requires all Australian service providers to give customers a standardised format “Critical Information Summary” (CIS) outlining everything needed to make an informed purchase, and/or to readily compare offers from different providers. In addition, new billing requirements also taking effect on 1 March mean […] Read more »