In response to the Optus data breach, the Australian government has introduced a new bill to make changes to the Privacy Act. So what’s in the Bill? And are the …
Cheat sheet: getting privacy reform right
The Optus and Medibank breaches have demonstrated an urgent need for reform to the Privacy Act, but we need to make sure the changes are meaningful and address long-standing issues …
Campaign win: NSW School asked to halt kids’ fingerprint scanning
In early September it was reported that a high school in Sydney was scanning kids’ fingerprints to access the bathroom. In response, Digital Rights Watch raised the alarm in the …
Privacy reform is important
Digital Rights Watch is an Australian organisation that advocates for privacy, democracy, fairness and freedom in a digital age. We take a human rights approach to digital policy. One of …
Optus data breach shows need for stronger privacy laws
Last week Optus announced what may be the largest data breach in Australian history, potentially exposing the personal information of almost 10 million people. Current and former Optus customers are …
The power to misinform begins with an invasion of privacy
Amplification algorithms are the fuel on the fire of disinformation.
Why the online safety inquiry falls short (and why it matters)
It is no surprise that Big Tech has become deeply unpopular. From the Cambridge Analytica scandal and the Facebook Papers to the dark side of TikTok and Google misleading people; …
In solidarity with Switter
It is with great sadness that we hear of the closure of Switter – a sex work friendly social media platform – in response to an increasingly hostile regulatory environment …
Explainer: Privacy reform in Australia
Australia’s rebrand on privacy If you read our newsletter or check the website you may have noticed that the Australian government is doing everything they can to rebrand as the …
Explainer: Basic Online Safety Expectations
The Online Safety Act 2021 passed in June this year and comes into effect on 23 January 2022. Under Part 4 of the legislation, the Minister has the power to …
Australia’s new mass surveillance mandate
The Australian government has new laws on the books to hack your computer, your online accounts, and just about any piece of technology and networks you come into contact with. …
Anonymity online is important
Imagine if we walked around the real world with a small screen floating above our heads. That screen would update with a different set of information depending on who looked …
Techno solutionism—very few things actually need to be an app.
Last week the Twittersphere and news outlets lit up, reporting that the NSW Police Commissioner suggested a mobile application should be created to verify consent between two adults before engaging …
Facebook removed news—what now?
In the latest move of the flexing competition between the Australian government and Big Tech over the News Media Bargaining Code, Facebook has blocked anyone in Australia from sharing or …
All I want for Christmas is to stop normalising surveillance
Whether you’re stringing up Christmas lights, getting out the Menorah, or just enjoying the end of the rollercoaster of a year that was 2020, just about everyone will partake in …
The Privacy Act review could shake up Australia’s value-based approach to privacy
When you look around the world, Australia stands out as somewhat unique when it comes to privacy. Why? Unlike most “western” democracies, it lacks a federal recognition of the right …
Parliament metadata report is a step in the right direction
The introduction of the metadata retention regime way back in 2016 was one of the catalysts for creating Digital Rights Watch. Mandatory metadata retention, for access by a list of …
QR codes, privacy and security
As lockdown restrictions continue to ease, we are seeing increased use of technology with the goal of keeping track of who is coming and going from venues and small businesses. …
The Five Eyes are still trying to undermine encryption
Another year, another Ministerial meeting of the Five Eyes —one of the most powerful known espionage alliances in history. Every year, Ministers from the five member countries (Australia, Canada, United …
The News Media Bargaining Code is not fit for any purpose
There’s no doubt in our minds that we want digital platforms to change–to treat our privacy as a priority, to ensure our data is protected and not used against our …