Modernising Australia’s privacy laws for the digital age
Attorney-General’s portfolio Today, the Albanese Government has released a consultation paper and draft legislation to modernise and strengthen Australia’s privacy laws for the digital age. The reforms will bolster privacy protections for Australians and help tackle emerging risks from new technologies including Artificial Intelligence, and wearable devices such as smart glasses.
Australians are also facing growing risks from data breaches, identity theft and scams. The misuse of personal information can disproportionately harm vulnerable Australians and, at scale, pose national security risks. AI-powered tools and devices, such as those used in connected vehicles which continuously collect and process personal information, are amplifying these risks.
Stronger privacy protections help Australians stay in control of their personal information, make informed choices, participate in society with greater certainty about how their information is used, and better protect our country. This will be achieved through a range of key initiatives, including: a fair and reasonable test , so companies can no longer justify collecting more information than they need or using it for purposes Australians would never expect. a right to erasure , allowing individuals to request destroying personal information from large digital platforms like social media and search platforms. stronger, more meaningful standards for consent , to ensure Australians are making an informed choice about the information they share, without hidden terms, or take-it-or-leave-it conditions. measures to stop businesses from trading in personal information without clear permission , meaning shopping habits, online interests or location data cannot be bought and sold behind Australians’ backs.
The reforms will also provide greater regulatory clarity and improve the efficiency of the privacy regulator, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner. These measures have been developed following extensive consultation including feedback received through the Privacy Act Review and the 2024 reforms to the Privacy Act, with the Government now seeking views on how the reforms might operate in practice.
Australians, businesses, academics and community organisations are encouraged to have their say by visiting the Attorney-General's Department Consultation hub website . Submissions close 18 September 2026. Quotes attributable to the Attorney-General, Hon Michelle Rowland MP: “The Albanese Government is modernising Australia’s privacy laws to ensure they are fit for purpose in the digital age.
“Australians expect their personal information to be protected, not exploited. Yet almost four in five Australians report they have very little or no control over how their personal information is collected or used. “As more of our lives move online, these reforms will help strengthen privacy protections, boost accountability, and ensure Australians can embrace technology with greater confidence.
“Getting Australia’s privacy settings right and building trust in our digital world is good for people and good for business. "We have opened public consultation to hear from regulated entities, experts and civil society about the design and implementation of these measures to protect Australians, while supporting innovation."