Responsibility for defamation law sits with individual states and territories, however, the Model Defamation Provisions (MDPs) inform how the state-based legislation is enacted. The original MDPs were endorsed in 2005, …
Submission: ACCC issues paper – competition and consumer concerns with social media
As part of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) ongoing Digital Platform Services Inquiry (2020-2025), the ACCC is considering the potential competition and consumer issues with social media services …
Privacy and data security concerns regarding the use of biometric surveillance technology on children at NSW high school
On September 6 it was reported that a high school in New South Wales is requiring students to scan their fingerprints to access the school bathroom. It is our view …
Media Release: Amazon’s acquisition of Roomba raises privacy concerns
Privacy protections are a vital line of defence against expanding corporate power.
Media Release: Australian digital rights and security experts raise alarmed over draconian bail conditions imposed on protesters.
NSW Police have imposed bail conditions on at least one Blockade Australia activist that would prohibit the use of encrypted communication apps such as WhatsApp and Signal. NSW police also imposed conditions forcing the activists to hand over any communications device to police and provide passcodes upon request.
The power to misinform begins with an invasion of privacy
Amplification algorithms are the fuel on the fire of disinformation.
Rebalancing the internet economy: CREATE
Artists who use digital platforms to promote, stream, and sell their music experience unique issues and challenges. From exploitative pay-per-stream models to the impact of recommendation algorithms on building a …
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; …
Supporter Survey Results
In the spirit of openness, we wanted to share with you the responses to our supporter survey and how we are reflecting on them.
Rebalance the Internet Economy: GATHER
GATHER is the third of our four-part event series for our community-based research project on Rebalancing the Internet Economy. The focus of this event is on activists, organisers, community leaders and …
The State of Digital Rights: A 2021 Retrospective
Register here to join us at 1pm AEDT on 3 March for the online launch event for this report! Each year, we invite activists, writers, academics, and technologists to reflect …
Submission: Electronic Surveillance Reform Discussion Paper
In late 2021 the Department of Home Affairs released a Reform of Australia’s Digital Surveillance Framework Discussion Paper. The Discussion Paper includes a range of proposals to reform Australia’s laws …
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 …
Submission: Anti-Trolling Bill
In late 2021 the Australian government announced its social media ‘anti-trolling’ Bill. The Bill has been framed as an “important part of the government’s commitment to protecting Australians from online …
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 …
Submission: Inquiry into Social Media and Online Safety
In December 2021, alongside the announcement of the Social Media (Anti-Trolling) Bill, the government announced a Parliamentary Inquiry into Social Media and Online Safety. The Committee will conduct the Inquiry …
Submission: Privacy Act Review – Discussion Paper
The long-awaited review of the Privacy Act is progressing! Digital Rights Watch has been actively following the development of privacy legislation in Australia, and participating in the consultation process to …
December 2021 Roundup
Merry digital rights, it’s our final roundup for 2021! To see out the year, a message from our Chair, Lizzie O’Shea… As we end a year that looks a little …
Submission: Online Privacy Bill
While we’re in the midst of a (much needed) review of the Privacy Act, the government has introduced a parallel draft Online Privacy Bill, ostensibly to address the privacy challenges …
November 2021 Roundup
As we wind up 2021 and distract ourselves with family and friends, it is―as per the Australian government’s worst tradition―the season for under the radar policy changes. Anonymity―why it matters …