On the 25^th May 2018 the EU introduced a unified regulation to deal with the protection of data. This regulation is known as the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”).

Mandatory data breach notification under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), applies to the Commonwealth public sector and the private sector including organisations which hold health information and provide a health service (which is broadly defined). The mandatory breach notification requirements commenced on 22 February 2018.

The cryptocurrency revolution is well under way. The new form of currency has begun to revolutionise financial transactions in ways that society is still starting to grasp. While still being a volatile currency, its value rose from US$1,000 at the beginning of the year to nearly US$16,000 per coin as of December 2017. More and more people are getting on board with this new cryptocurrency and, as recently as November 2017, several Australian home owners have even begun accepting Bitcoin payment for their property. There appears to be no limits to the use and growth of cryptocurrency. But cryptocurrencies still remain outside the scope of the regulated financial system. That is, until now – sort of.

Online copyright infringement has been a problem for content owners since the inception of the internet. The unauthorised downloading (and uploading) of copyright material is especially prevalent in Australia, where a 2015 survey estimated that Australians download movies, songs and television programs in the hundreds of millions each year. While content owners have been criticised by some for not making content available in Australia (or making it available at a comparatively inflated price), the unauthorised downloading of copyright material is a clear infringement of content owners’ rights.  

On 7 August 2017, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) released the following investigation reports into the major data breach that occurred on 5 September 2016 through the Australian Red Cross Blood Service’s (Blood Service) website:

Introduction - Genome Testing – Genome.One

An Australia-first genomic testing service that combines whole genome sequencing and a comprehensive health assessment can offer individuals an unprecedented glimpse into their future health.

Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency v Limboro (15 February 2017)

The Privacy Amendment (Notifiable Data Breaches) Act 2017 (Cth), which amends the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (Privacy Act) was passed on 22 February 2017 and will commence on a date to be proclaimed within 12 months.

Greg Malakou, Holman Webb CEO, speaks to Business First magazine about how innovation not only gives Holman Webb a competitive advantage in the market but is also fundamental to the firm’s growth strategy.

Recent media attention concerning the privacy breach by the Australian Red Cross Blood Service highlights privacy and cybersecurity risks with health information.