Reform in Australia: A Focus on Informed Consent

Abstract

This article analyses the Australian privacy framework in the context of both the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s Digital Platforms Inquiry (DPI) and the Consumer Data Right (CDR). This analysis extends to informed consent and attitudes to unfairness and unconscionability. The article offers potential solutions to the current patchwork approach which go further than the Government response to the DPI. It argues that the Australian Government’s response is not an adequate response nor a set of suitable solutions to the problem. The article proposes a two-pronged approach that recognizes the urgency of the issue through the suggestion of a series of ‘quick policy wins’ that will result in more meaningful and effective protection for consumers and further systemic, long-term recommendations for change that can be achieved through policy development, further consultation and integration with other existing legislation. The quick policy wins centre on three specific changes, including definitional updates, content and structure of online standard form agreements and enforcement, penalties and sanctions, and long-term solutions. The long-term solutions are proposed to include regulation of website design, better integration of the laws, regulators and enforcement bodies, a faster, more consistent pace of policy review and recognition of the societal and human benefit of informed consent to online standard form agreements. Australia, Digital Platforms, Consumer Data Right, Informed Consent, Reform