From smart phones and drones to early artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, technology has the potential to enhance our quality of life in so many different ways. While technological advancements can provide considerable convenience, are we being sold convenience and innovation over security? W+K Cyber specialists Kieran Doyle and Eden Winokur recently talk […]
On 11 December, the Australian Government announced its reform package in response to the ACCC’s digital platforms inquiry, which includes a series of initiatives designed to address the market power, transparency and fair competition associated with tech giants. For insurers, the proposed strengthening of regulations – combined with news of the NSW Ambulance workers’ settlement […]
The long-awaited legislative overhaul to New Zealand’s privacy framework contained in the Privacy Act 1993 is on track for commencement on 1 March 2020. The Privacy Bill, which contains a comprehensive suite of reforms, has recently passed its second legislative reading. New Zealand’s new privacy framework will be based on the same OECD principles that […]
With anticipated new data protection laws and significant investigations underway, Australia appears set to create a data protection regime with high penalties and serious potential for third party claims. Increased enforcement, penalties and third party claims will create a rapid increase in exposure for insurers – and may put the question of whether cyber fines […]
The gig economy is reshaping employee class actions, with recent decisions classifying independent contractors and casual workers as employees. Historically, employee class actions were the monopoly of the union movement. But with the waning of union membership and influence, and the rise of the gig economy and large numbers of casual workers, litigation funders are […]
The Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment (Assistance and Access) Bill 2018 was introduced to Parliament on 20 September. While the Bill may sound innocuous, its scope and implications could significantly impact personal data security in Australia and make it easier for hackers to access personal data stored on devices. Technology commentators say it will be […]
I am delighted to welcome you to the launch of our annual Legalign Global insurance report, Insurance Remodelled, 2018/19 Market Conditions & Trends. The report has been produced by our Legalign Global partner DAC Beachcroft for a number of years to assist the insurance industry in the UK and has now been expanded to include […]
With the increasing number of litigation funders and plaintiff class action law firms, the threat of multiple competing class actions in respect of the same issues and the associated increased costs are an ever increasing risk for both insurers and insureds alike. The recent Federal Court decision of Justice Lee in Perera v GetSwift Ltd […]
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) affects businesses across the globe, despite originating in the European Union (EU) and comes into force today. It is not too late to consider the impact as an Australian or New Zealand business owner. What makes this new regulation unique is the obligations imposed on businesses worldwide to comply […]
Wotton Kearney partner, Belinda Henningham, along with Peter Allchorne, Wendy Hopkins, Olya Melnitchouk, Andrew Parker and Toby Vallance from our Legalign Global Alliance partner firm, DAC Beachcroft, explore whether the insurance industry is ready for the potential shift in policy coverage relating to autonomous vehicles and crewless ships. Belinda states that”…should the Australian Federal Government […]
