Digital consumers

Post thumbnail

Australians are urged to take simple steps to better protect themselves from common online threats and cybercrime during Cyber Security Awareness Month over October. The 2021 theme is: “Do your Part. #BeCyberSmart” read more here, where you can view the Personal Cyber Security Series, How to Use the Internet Securely – A Guide for Seniors, and other cyber…

Read More Cybersecurity Awareness Month “Do your part.”#BeCyberSmart

Post thumbnail

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has welcomed today’s announcement by the Digital Industry Group Inc. (DIGI) of additional accountability measures for digital platforms in Australia. ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin said DIGI has taken an important step by launching the public complaints portal, which will support digital platforms’ compliance with the Australian Code of Practice…

Read More Digital platforms complaints process a positive step

Post thumbnail

The World Trade Organisation has confirmed that a specific article on consumer protection is to be included in a future international trade agreement on e-commerce. The article would require WTO member countries to adopt or maintain measures that proscribe misleading, fraudulent and deceptive commercial activities that cause harm, or potential harm, to consumers engaged in electronic commerce.…

Read More Consumer protection included in future international trade deal on e-commerce

Post thumbnail

Ticket scalping will be illegal in Western Australia after legislation introduced by the McGowan Government passed State Parliament, delivering on an election commitment. This is an announcement from the Government of Western Australia, Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety. It was originally published on 8th September, 2021. The tough new measures will be in place…

Read More Just the ticket – tough new laws to stamp out scalping

Post thumbnail

Australians have already lost over $288,000 to vehicle scams in the first quarter of this year, more than all losses reported to Scamwatch in 2019, and scammers have now begun impersonating defence personnel to con their victims. This is an ACCC media release, originally published on 27th April, 2021. In a vehicle scam, scammers post fake…

Read More Losses to car ad scams climbing

Person using laptop Person using laptop

The ACCC is seeking submissions from consumers and industry participants about choice screens, which give users a choice of internet search services on mobiles and tablets, rather than a pre-selected search service, and about the supply of web browsers in Australia. This is an ACCC media release, originally published on 11th March, 2021. The submissions to…

Read More Feedback sought on choice and competition in internet search and web browsers

Post thumbnail

Not all cyber security risks can be addressed by governments and industry — individuals should also take steps to protect themselves. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how much Australians interact and work online, trusting the internet for healthcare, working from home, education, entertainment and online shopping. Protecting you and your family online is about more than avoiding…

Read More Cyber security — your responsibility

Post thumbnail

Consumers should look out for unexpected international transaction fees when buying online from major brands, the ACCC has warned. Even websites with a .com.au domain name or that appear to be Australian based may process transactions overseas, meaning consumers can get charged an international transaction fee even for a purchase made in Australian dollars. The…

Read More Consumers urged to look out for unexpected international transaction fees

A close-up image of a green electric circuit board A close-up image of a green electric circuit board

The extensive growth in Artificial Intelligence (AI) programs by the world’s most advanced economies has highlighted the need to effectively use the standards process to promote, develop and realise the opportunities of responsible AI, delivering business growth, improving services and protecting consumers. Standards Australia has released the Artificial Intelligence Standards Roadmap: Making Australia’s Voice Heard. This comprehensive…

Read More Artificial intelligence – Standards Australia roadmap

Animated computer screen against green background. On the screen is an animated online shopping checkout page Animated computer screen against green background. On the screen is an animated online shopping checkout page

Concert-goers are being warned to avoid paying for tickets via PayPal using the ‘friends and family’ function, as these transactions are not covered by the financial service’s buyer protection policy. The warning comes as Consumer Protection has received numerous complaints from Western Australians unable to retrieve their money after using this function to transfer funds…

Read More Scammers exploit payment loophole on PayPal

Post thumbnail

ACCC Chair Rod Sims announced the ACCC’s compliance and enforcement priorities for 2020 in a speech to the annual Committee for Economic Development Australia (CEDA). These priorities provide focus to the ACCC’s enforcement and advocacy work, as well as develop solutions to deliver benefits for all consumers. The 2020 priorities include: Competition and consumer issues in the…

Read More ACCC releases its compliance and enforcement priorities for 2020