- Details
ACCAN recently submitted to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (the Joint Committee) on the Cyber Security Legislative Package 2024 (the Legislative Package). ACCAN’s comments on the Legislative Package are restricted to the Cyber Security Bill 2024 (The Bill).
In this submission, ACCAN provides the Joint Committee with recommendations to improve the cybersecurity of consumers using connected devices, including Internet of Things devices, by improving the enforcement structures established under the Bill relating to the security standards of connected devices.
ACCAN recommends that:
- Details
ACCAN recently commented on the Department of Industry, Science and Resources’ proposals paper for introducing mandatory guardrails for AI in high-risk settings (the paper).
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly evolving and broad technology that, with the right regulatory settings, can provide material benefits for consumers. AI can offer tailored services for consumers and potentially drive efficiencies in business, lowering the cost for consumers. However, as the paper notes, AI also carries risks of consumer harm through discrimination and data breaches.
Read more: Proposals Paper for Introducing Mandatory Guardrails for AI in High-Risk Settings
- Details
ACCAN recently submitted to the Environment and Communications Legislation Committee’s consultation on the Communications Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2024 (the Bill).
In ACCAN’s view the Bill provides a foundation for tackling misinformation and disinformation on digital communications platforms. However, the Bill should be expanded to explicitly include measures which address consumer harms, such as minimum dispute resolution standards, which could be expanded to ensure appropriate complaints do not fall through the gaps.
- Details
There is less than one week to go until Telstra and Optus close their 3G networks, and ACCAN is calling on consumers to make final preparations.
Despite significant efforts from major telcos, government, media and consumer representatives, some Australians will still be impacted by the shutdown.
In a recent update, Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland warned that there are still around 60,000 devices in the community that will not be able to contact Triple Zero after 28 October. This number is an improvement on initial estimates but remains too high.
- Details
ACCAN recently submitted to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee to comment on the Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 [Provisions] (the Bill).
ACCAN supports the Bill as a first step to modernising Australia’s privacy protections. However, Australian consumers have poor privacy protections by international standards and further reforms are needed now. ACCAN urges the Government to address all the remaining recommendations from the Attorney-General’s privacy report to ensure that Australians receive the same minimum privacy protections enjoyed by the rest of the world.
Read more: Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 [Provisions]
- Details
Holly Raiche has served ACCAN as a Board member for many years. She was a member of the ACCAN Working Group (involved with establishment of ACCAN) and was the Deputy Chair of ACCAN’s Founding Board.
She is a respected communications law scholar and consumer activist who has served Australia’s communications community in national and international roles.
Holly’s contributions extend far beyond her work with ACIF, CTN and ACCAN. Through the Internet Society of Australia, she has been involved in the far wider world of internet regulation and governance.
Her ability, experience and commitment to robust analysis of communications issues has assisted ACCAN and the Board in its’ advocacy for better outcomes for consumers.
- Details
Today’s announcement from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones reflects consistent efforts from consumer advocates to improve shady practices employed by some businesses, and particularly digital platforms.
Unfair practices cost consumers more than just money – it costs them valuable time, reduces consumer confidence in markets and distort consumers’ ability to make free choices. ‘Unfair’ trading practices fall into a category of conduct which can be harmful, subtly manipulative or exploitative, but don’t reach a legal benchmark for unconscionable conduct – which is illegal. This reform will plug the gap between the law and community expectations.
ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett welcomed this move from the Prime Minister and urged the government to consider any reforms which result in better consumer outcomes.
- Details
ACCAN recently submitted to the Future Skills Organisation (FSO) consultation on Bridging the Digital Divide: Digital Accessibility and Inclusion.
The submission recommends the FSO considers options to ensure:
- Details
On Friday 11 October, ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett and Deputy CEO Dr. Gareth Downing appeared before the Environment and Communications Legislation Committee. The Committee was hearing views on the Communications Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2024.
The full transcript of their appearance can be found below, or on the Parliament of Australia website.
Read more: ACCAN Evidence to the Senate Hearing into Misinformation and Disinformation Laws
Write comment (0 Comments)- Details
ACCAN has today welcomed the Albanese Government’s introduction of legislation to the parliament to keep the National Broadband Network in public ownership.
ACCAN supports NBN Co in its mission to deliver affordable, accessible, high-speed broadband to all Australians. This legislation ensures that the public interest will remains front and centre.
Australian taxpayers have outlaid nearly $60 billion for the construction of the NBN in the 15 years since it was established.
- Details
ACCAN recently provided a joint submission, together with CHOICE and Consumers’ Federation of Australia (CFA), to the Treasury’s consultation on Revitalising National Competition Policy (NCP).