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ARTICLE · 02 DECEMBER 2022

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The Optus data breach – an earthquake whose aftermath is still being felt

Bartier Perry Solicitors
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Government reforms aim to provide further protection for consumers, since data breaches have become more frequent.

AustraliaPrivacy
Norman Donato (Formerly With Bartier Perry)
Norman Donato (Formerly With Bartier Perry)
Isabella Krstanovski (Formerly With Bartier Perry)
Isabella Krstanovski (Formerly With Bartier Perry)
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In the wake of the Optus data breach, amendments to the Telecommunications Regulations 2021 were introduced in October 2022. They enable telcos to disclose certain customer data to financial institutions (generally banks), the Commonwealth, and States and Territories, in order to manage the risks of malicious cyber activities.

Other changes enable telcos to provide government agencies with information to help prevent fraud. The changes will apply for 12 months and will then be reviewed by government, with no parliamentary discussion required.

However, requesting personal information carries additional privacy considerations that government entities need to be aware of.

What can government do under the amendments?

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