Information Commissioner's Office Stories

Australian Stories

Information Commissioner's Office stories

Orca Opti launches free AI governance tool for Australia

Regulated employers can now test their AI controls in minutes, as the Brisbane firm targets stricter data rules and workplace leak risks.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • Last month

Data Protection

Australians demand fairer data use as AI trust sinks

Public confidence in AI and data handling has plunged, with most Australians rejecting the use of personal information to train models.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Thu, 28th May 2026

Unified Communications

Vocus & Fortinet launch Secure Shield for AI oversight

It aims to curb staff data leaks into public AI tools by giving Australian employers visibility and controls over what workers share.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • Tue, 5th May 2026

Data Protection

Australia privacy week urges better complaint handling

Only 9% of complainants were satisfied as Australia’s privacy regulator said poor resolution is eroding public trust in data handlers.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • Mon, 4th May 2026

Data Protection

Australia regulators unite on privacy & online safety

Growing use of age-check tools and AI is forcing Australian regulators to coordinate more closely on child safety and personal data.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 3 min read • Fri, 24th Apr 2026

Data Protection

Australia privacy regulator flags age assurance trial claims

Privacy watchdog concerns raise fresh doubts over whether the government’s age assurance trial overstated vendor compliance and safeguards.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 4 min read • Mon, 20th Apr 2026

Data Protection

AI and data breaches force new approach to privacy

Rising data breaches and rapid AI adoption are forcing Australian boards to rethink privacy, shifting focus from perimeter security to full data lifecycle.

By Shannon Williams • 6 min read • Wed, 28th Jan 2026

Firewalls

Cybersecurity Act drives surge in reporting as attacks rise

Australia's Cybersecurity Act drives a surge in breach reporting as attacks soar, exposing rising business losses and tougher penalties.

By Mark Tarre • 5 min read • Fri, 9th Jan 2026

Digital Transformation

Proving human identity is essential to defending Australia's financial services sector

Australia's banks face rising AI-driven scams, making robust human identity verification and phishing-resistant MFA critical to security.

By Geoff Schomburgk • 5 min read • Mon, 15th Dec 2025

Surveillance

Australia's AI plan criticised for business focus over safety & rights

Electronic Frontiers Australia criticises the National AI Plan for favouring business interests over public safety, digital rights and calls for stronger EU-style law.

By Shannon Williams • 4 min read • Thu, 4th Dec 2025

Global Stories

Information Commissioner's Office stories

Data Protection

Asia-Pacific firms warned over hidden AI risks at work

Most workers are using AI without approval, leaving Australian boards exposed to privacy breaches and unmanaged data flows.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • Last week

Digital Transformation

Insicon Cyber adds F5 AI tools to boost governance

Weak public trust and tighter oversight are pushing Australian and New Zealand firms to add live AI security controls before systems go into production.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Last week

Data Protection

ICO fines rise 370% as watchdog targets big breaches

Larger data breach sanctions are becoming the norm as the ICO issues fewer penalties, but targets cases involving children's privacy and cyberattacks.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • Last month

Data Protection

From fragmented records to connected care: Building an AI‑ready health system

Fragmented data is still forcing patients to repeat their history, but new digital reforms could unlock safer care and save over GBP £3 billion a year.

By Farhoud Salimi • 5 min read • Mon, 11th May 2026