Consumer Policy Research Centre response to privacy reforms

MEDIA STATEMENT

Monday 31 August 2026

Consumer Policy Research Centre has responded to the exposure draft of Federal privacy reforms released today.

Quotes attributable to Chandni Gupta, Deputy CEO and Digital Policy Director of Consumer Policy Research Centre:

On the release of the exposure draft:

“These privacy reforms are a step in the right direction and we look forward to working with the Government to ensure Australians get the privacy protections they deserve. We thank the Attorney General Michelle Rowland for advancing protections that, if delivered well, will offer fair and accessible privacy rights for Australians”

On the current experience for Australians regarding privacy:

“Our research found Australians would have to spend over 14 and a half hours a day to engage effectively with their digital privacy rights. Right now, the onus is on everyday Australians to understand and manage their relationship with the many complex companies they interact with every day. These reforms need to ensure businesses big and small are operating on a fair playing field with their customers.”

On opting out of direct marketing and dark patterns:

“Respecting people’s choices when they opt-out is critical in creating a fair framework for privacy. Dark patterns cost Australians time, money, loss of control over their privacy and ultimately their wellbeing. In these reforms, the Government has recognised that you don’t really have choice if you’ve been tricked by a dark pattern. These laws need to be watertight to ensure tricks and traps can’t be used in direct marketing.”

On the behaviours this legislation needs to address:

“Australians deserve for their personal information to be treated with care and respect. We can’t rely on the goodwill of companies alone anymore – we’ve found a number of companies implementing privacy protections and rights globally, but carving out Australia because the law lets them do so. This isn’t acceptable – Australians deserve privacy rights just as strong as other jurisdictions around the world”

On the fair and reasonable test:

“Our research has found that 83% of Australians don’t want their personal information to be collected and used in ways that harms them or others. It will be critical that a fair and reasonable test puts the onus on the businesses to proactively act fairly instead of getting a slap on the wrist after a customer catches them out and complains”

On the definition of personal information:

“Australia’s Privacy Act is stuck in the 80s. We live in a world where your every movement online or out in the community is being tracked in some way. Whether it’s being recorded with smart glasses or tracked step-by-step buying your groceries, getting the definition of personal information right in this legislation will be vital. Businesses don’t need to know everything about us to serve us as customers – and a strong definition of personal information will help make sure they only collect what’s necessary.”

Chandni Gupta is available for interview/comment.

Media contact: media@cprc.org.au 0493 539 466