Australia: Closed consultation on an exposure draft of the Privacy Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 (Online Privacy Bill)

On 6 December 2021, the public consultation on the exposure draft of the Privacy Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 closed. The bill aims to enhance the privacy protection of individuals in the online sphere by creating a binding online privacy code (OP code) that has to be followed by online platforms, social media organizations, and data brokers. These entities will have to follow new privacy requirements and implement stronger protections for children and vulnerable groups. Furthermore, the act introduces penalties of up to AUD 10 million or more for privacy breaches and increases the regulatory and enforcement powers of the Australian Information Commissioner. The exposure draft was released simultaneously with a discussion paper on the proposals to reform the Privacy Act 1988. The public consultation on the Online Privacy Bill opened on 25 October 2021.