FARE weighs into Privacy Debate

Last month the Australian Government announced the Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024, which signals the initial phase of reforms to the Privacy Act intended to ensure Australians are better protected online.

While the Bill proposes some significant measures, including codes intending to better protect children’s privacy and statutory torts for serious privacy invasions, the Bill does not meet the comprehensive recommendations established by Government’s Privacy Act Review conducted last year.

Notably, the Bill does not adequately address the urgent need for protections against data-driven marketing practices. This is particularly concerning when it comes to the promotion of addictive and harmful products, such as alcohol, especially when these marketing strategies target children.

Experts like Dr Aimee Brownbill are stressing that without substantial reforms, Australians remain susceptible to invasive data practices and harmful advertising.

To read more, see Dr Brownbill’s article published by the Foundation for Alcohol Research & Education here