Australia: Technology

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has issued an open letter to all AFS licensees and market participants calling for urgent action to strengthen cyber resilience in response to the evolving threat posed by artificial intelligence models (the ASIC Letter).

Japan, as Australia’s fourth-largest foreign investor, has agreed to strengthen bilateral collaboration with Australia, including in the growing technology sector. This will facilitate closer collaboration between the two countries on critical technologies, artificial intelligence, digital ecosystems, research and development and cybersecurity.

As organisations increasingly rely on AI and digital technologies, the volume of personal information being collected and managed continues to grow. This article examines five critical areas where Australian businesses can strengthen privacy practices and build trust through proper assessments, transparent workplace surveillance, effective breach response, complaint handling, and careful reliance on legal exceptions.

The general rule is that a business cannot send unsolicited emails to market, sell, and promote their goods and services.

"Statement Expectations" sets out ACMA views on the minimum requirements needed to comply with the Spam Act.

This heavy penalty was a reminder to all businesses to ensure that their marketing complies with regulations.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has issued an open letter to all AFS licensees and market participants calling for urgent action to strengthen cyber resilience in response to the evolving threat posed by artificial intelligence models (the ASIC Letter).

Japan, as Australia’s fourth-largest foreign investor, has agreed to strengthen bilateral collaboration with Australia, including in the growing technology sector. This will facilitate closer collaboration between the two countries on critical technologies, artificial intelligence, digital ecosystems, research and development and cybersecurity.

New South Wales has introduced Australia's first express statutory duty directed at digital work systems, including algorithmic work allocation, performance metrics and worker surveillance. The Work Health and Safety Amendment (Digital Work Systems) Act 2026 requires NSW Government agencies to proactively assess and manage risks arising from AI, algorithms and automated platforms used to allocate work.

A new enterprise agreement between Private Media & the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance, approved by the FWC restricts the use of AI in editorial work.

This draft legislation is ambitious in scope and represents Australia's answer to comprehensive crypto-asset reforms.

OAIC's recommendations on managing records of messaging apps provide useful lessons and practical solutions.