Consumers and data: Investigations, tips, guides and advice

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Data use
Consumers and data

Concerned about your personal data? So are we. That's why we're tackling misuse of consumer data, AI and automated decision-making.

Latest investigations

Australian super system caught unprepared for cyber attack

Banks, telcos and social media platforms are required to protect Australians from scams, but the super industry is exempt
'What was stolen?' Victim of IVF data hack says company has kept them in the dark

Genea patient claims poor communication following hack of extremely sensitive health data.
Should you trust an AI chatbot with your mental health?

Millions are using Headspace, Wysa, Youper and other popular therapy chatbots, but can AI replace a professional counsellor?
Digital doppelgangers throwing lives into chaos

A recent ruling says that Services Australia has a duty to prevent your records from getting mixed up with another person’s.
Real estate agency doxxes tenant after negative review

In a case that ended up with the OAIC, a real estate agency published a renter's personal information in an act of retaliation.
Drive one of these car brands? This is how much of your data they're tracking

We compare the privacy policies of Australia's most popular car brands to see how they track and monitor drivers.
What is the MediSecure breach and how does it affect you?

The breach is bigger than the Optus leak and includes sensitive information
Who has 14 hours to read privacy policies?

A new report looks at the time it takes for Australians to manage their privacy.
Photos of Australian kids found in huge AI training data set

Human Rights Watch says that photos of Australian kids have been used without consent. What can you do about it?
What your robot vacuum knows about you

These devices collect a lot of dirt – they also clean. Here’s what they could have on you and how you can protect your privacy.
Worried your address, birth date or health data is being sold? You should be

Australians don’t know and can’t control how data brokers are spreading our personal information.
Why does a business I left years ago still have my data?

Businesses are supposed to delete your personal info after you're no longer a customer, but that doesn't seem to be happening.
How much of your personal data does Spotify collect?

Experts say the popular music streaming app tracks more data than other tech platforms.
What is doxxing, and how can you avoid it?

How doxxers cause harm by finding and exposing your sensitive or personal information.
Everyday Rewards and Flybuys: Real savings, or just a data grab?

Supermarkets give us plenty of incentives to join loyalty programs, but there are downsides you might not be aware of.
Australians want AI regulation, but the government is falling short

New �Ӱ��̳research for World Consumer Rights Day says we want more than the bare minimum.
Data brokers are selling your information. Can you stop them?

Details from purchases you've made are in the hands of companies you've never heard of.
New cars are tracking everything you do. Can you stop this?

For months Toyota refused to refund this Queensland man his deposit on a car after he learned it would have tracking features.
Digital ID: What it is and what it means for you

A widely accepted form of digital identification may soon be available in Australia. Here's what's being proposed.
Predatory advertising targets financially vulnerable Australians

Australians struggling to make ends meet are being segmented into categories such as 'struggleville' and 'slender meanz'.
'People are being put in incredible danger': Essential services failing to protect privacy

Family violence perpetrators are gaining access to private details that endanger victim/survivors.
Medical centres forcing patients to share their personal data

Our Medical, a chain of medical centres, charges patients more if they don't sign up to their app and rewards program.
Facial recognition technology in use at major Australian stadiums

Sensitive biometric data is being collected by stadiums across the country, with consumers largely left in the dark.
What are mental health apps doing with your data?

Academics have raised concerns about the data collection and use policies of some popular mental health apps.
Fertility apps and your privacy

We examine 12 popular fertility apps to see what they do with the sensitive data they collect.
Retail tech and how it's affecting you

What you need to know about emerging trends in retail technology.
Latitude Finance breach affecting former customers

Greg hasn't had a Latitude credit product in years, so why was his data caught in the breach?
What happens to stolen data on the dark web?

Medibank customers have been informed that their hacked data has been released on the dark web, but what does that mean?
Why companies can keep your data forever

In Australia, your rights to have a company erase your data are very limited.
Push for new law to regulate facial recognition technology in Australia

Academics have written a model law suggesting how the regulation of facial recognition technology could work.
Woolworths, Coles, Aldi: No plans to use facial recognition technology

We reveal the retailers not using facial recognition in their stores, as Bunnings and Kmart pause using the controversial technology in response.
NDIS recipient information hacked in major data breach

Personal identification and sensitive health information of recipients of the National Disability Insurance Scheme hacked.

Take action

We all want to know our personal information is protected, but Australia's outdated privacy laws are letting businesses get away with using our data in ways that are unfair or even unsafe.

Will you sign the petition to show the government you support strong privacy laws that reset the balance between people and businesses?

Calling for change

The two things stopping Australians using AI and the internet more

Concerns about scams and cyber security are keeping people away from new tech.
Why the federal government must act urgently on privacy reform

�Ӱ��̳is among 27 advocates and researchers calling for stronger consumer protections from data breaches and misuse.
Op ed: This is what Australia needs to do to regulate AI

We need strong laws and well-resourced regulators to make sure consumers are protected from the possible harms of AI.
Op-ed: Data in whose interest?

Why data practices need to start putting consumers' best interests first.
Op-ed: To fix the Privacy Act, we need one extra sentence

Why individuation or 'singling out' is critical to improving Australia's Privacy Act and protecting consumers.
Op-ed: Why we need to enforce existing laws against ‘data enrichment’

Many of these practices are already illegal, so why are companies still getting away with them?

Understanding AI

Australians want AI regulation, but the government is falling short

New �Ӱ��̳research for World Consumer Rights Day says we want more than the bare minimum.
AI voice scams: What you need to know

With the latest phone scams, it's even harder to spot fact from fake.
Facial recognition technology in use at major Australian stadiums

Sensitive biometric data is being collected by stadiums across the country, with consumers largely left in the dark.
Australians to get 'guardrails' for safe AI use

Government says AI comes with huge economic opportunities, but safety protections are needed.
Kmart, Bunnings and The Good Guys using facial recognition technology in stores

Three major retailers in Australia are using facial recognition technology, often without shoppers realising.
Is Airbnb using and algorithm to ban users from the platform?

Airbnb may be using automated decision-making to leave some users out in the cold.

RentTech investigation

RentTech platforms have your data, whether you like it or not

The privacy policies of popular rental platforms raise questions about what the providers are doing with your personal data.
Rental agents shifting costs to renters

RentTech platforms can charge extra to make rental payments, and add on late fees that can contribute to financial hardship.
RentTech platforms: How your data is used against you

Rental application platforms make data-driven decisions that can exclude certain applicants.
RentTech platforms making renting that much harder

A new �Ӱ��̳report reveals the increasing dominance of third-party rental platforms and their discriminatory impacts on prospective tenants.

Report

At what cost? The price renters pay to use RentTech

A new �Ӱ��̳report reveals the increasing dominance of third-party rental platforms and their discriminatory impacts on prospective tenants.

Read the report

How companies use your data

Does Netflix track your personal data?

We take a look at the information Netflix is collecting about you, and why.
How much of your personal data does Spotify collect?

Experts say the popular music streaming app tracks more data than other tech platforms.
Data brokers are selling your information. Can you stop them?

Details from purchases you've made are in the hands of companies you've never heard of.
New cars are tracking everything you do. Can you stop this?

For months Toyota refused to refund this Queensland man his deposit on a car after he learned it would have tracking features.
How much personal data is your smart TV collecting – and what can you do about it?

Expert tips for protecting your personal information when you watch TV.
How cashback sites use your data

Apps and sites like Cashrewards and ShopBack may save you a little on your shopping, but what do you give up in return?
What are loyalty schemes like Flybuys and Everyday Rewards doing with your data?

How the data you hand over at the checkout can sold to businesses you've never dealt with.
'Insurtech' uses your data to tailor your insurance policy

But there are concerns around consumer privacy and data accuracy.
Op-ed: Tinder's misuse of data leaves a lot to be desired

Tinder should be transparent about how and why they charge different prices for the same product.

Protect your personal data

What to do if you've been caught in a data breach

Scammers and hackers can use your information to steal from, impersonate and defraud you or your loved ones.
How to check if a text or email is a scam

Received a message that looks a bit suspicious? Here's how to verify if it's authentic or the work of a scammer.
How to stay anonymous online

You can protect your identity online by focusing on anonymity rather than privacy.
Four things to do with your data before you die

With so much of our data and assets now stored online, how do we make sure our loved ones aren’t locked out after we die?
How to avoid and report impersonation scams

Scams Awareness Week is here and this year we're giving you advice on how to spot and report impersonation scams.
Password manager reviews

We test and compare popular password managers that can protect your digital details, including 1Password, BitWarden, Dashlane, Keeper, LastPass, Norton, Google and more.