March 18, 2021
In preparing this research and policy briefing CPRC has been assisted by Dr Katharine Kemp, Senior Lecturer, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Law (with research assistance from Ms Roseanna Bricknell). The briefing also draws on consumer survey research recently published by CPRC. This research explored Australians’ knowledge, behaviours, and attitudes regarding data collection, sharing and use.
Our Research finds that Australian consumers consider data practices to be ‘deeply unfair’. Their views are not unfounded because the current framework is very much reliant on an analogue world and years behind the digital age and its complexities. Furthermore, the current laws fall way short to deal with concealed data practices, undermining consumer autonomy and exploitation.
Data and technology issues are a research focus for CPRC, including emerging risks and harms and opportunities to better use data to improve consumer wellbeing and welfare. CPRC therefore has a keen interest in how the national consumer policy framework can best fulfil its overarching objectives regarding effective competition, consumer confidence and fairness in the context of consumer experiences in digital markets.
October 31, 2023
Faulty cars are far too common and disrupt too many lives. This report delves deep into the repercussions of faulty cars on individuals' lives, examines the legal pathways available for those seeking remedies and explores the experience of First Nations people.
March 16, 2023
Australia’s privacy laws rely on notification and consent as the primary means of protecting consumers. The onus is on consumers to navigate complex privacy protections in a continuously complex digital economy. It is time to consider reforms that hold businesses accountable for how they collect, share and use consumer data. It is time to give regulators the power to pause and assess data practices that are causing or likely to cause consumer harm.
