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
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'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. -
New anti-scams code targets banks, telcos and digital platforms
The government has begun consulting on an industry-wide approach to stopping the onslaught of scams. -
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. -
You're more likely to be scammed when you're stressed
Research shows that staying calm, cool and collected may be your best defense. -
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. -
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. -
3 out of 4 Australians harmed by a data breach
A new report reveals that very few of us feel in control of our data privacy. -
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. -
What to do if you've been caught up in the Optus data breach
Optus says up to 9.8 million people may have had their data breached. Here's what to do if you’re one of them. -
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. -
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. -
Buy now, pay later providers move into the data business
How BNPL providers, like Afterpay, Humm, Klarna and Zip are using your personal data for profit. -
Privacy policy comparison reveals half have poor readability
We analysed privacy policies from 75 leading apps and websites and found them to be long and in some cases unreadable.
Take action
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Sign the petition for stronger privacy protections
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?
RentTech investigation
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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 CHOICE report reveals the increasing dominance of third-party rental platforms and their discriminatory impacts on prospective tenants.
Report
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At what cost? The price renters pay to use RentTech
A new CHOICE report reveals the increasing dominance of third-party rental platforms and their discriminatory impacts on prospective tenants.
Calling for change
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Why the federal government must act urgently on privacy reform
CHOICE 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.
How companies use your data
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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. -
Does Netflix track your personal data?
We take a look at the information Netflix is collecting about you, and why. -
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. -
Subscription traps catching out consumers online
Subscription traps are just one of the many so-called ‘dark patterns’ deceiving consumers online. -
Is Airbnb using an algorithm to ban users from the platform?
Airbnb may be using automated decision-making to leave some users out in the cold. -
Online consumers harmed by 'dark patterns' in web design
New research shows people are experiencing harm due to deceptive web design, also known as 'dark patterns'.
Protect your personal data
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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 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 giving away your personal details online
Sometimes hackers ask politely for the information they need. Avoid their tricks on social media. -
Cyber crimes surge in second half of 2022
The latest OAIC report indicates companies must do more to protect consumer data. -
How to secure your Google account
We look at how to protect the personal and private information in your Google account. -
Which messaging apps should you use?
We look at popular chat services like Facebook Messenger, Signal and Whatsapp to help you pick the right one. -
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.
The Consumer Data Team
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Meet the team uncovering data misuse
The Consumer Data Team will investigate the ways businesses are using your personal data.
Consumer data advocate, Kate Bower, and senior campaigner and policy adviser, Rafi Alam, will also push for changes to laws and protection from data misuse.
They'll help you safely navigate the many ways businesses collect, store and use your data.
How-to guides
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How to spot a fake online review
Watch out for these red flags – they'll help you sort the fakes from the real deal. -
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. -
How two-factor authentication can protect your password
Improved password security will make your online accounts less vulnerable to hackers. -
How to change your Facebook privacy settings
What you can do to limit your personal data being shared by Facebook. -
What does Windows Security do?
We look at Windows Security features beyond antivirus and firewall and how you can customise your settings. -
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.
