Australia proposes privacy reforms and identity protection tools

Attorney-General Michelle Rowland has unveiled plans for a second tranche of federal privacy reforms in Australia, aimed at addressing emerging technological threats. A central feature of the proposed legislation is the ‘right to erasure,’ which would allow individuals to request that large digital platforms, such as social media and search services, destroy their personal information. This provision will not apply to media organisations publishing news articles.

The reforms also address concerns regarding smart glasses and artificial intelligence, which have raised issues regarding covert surveillance and harassment. While the government is not currently consulting on an import ban for smart glasses due to potential trade and international legal implications, Ms. Rowland stated that the government is not ‘ruling anything out’ and will focus on regulating harmful behaviours.

Additionally, the government is introducing IDLock, a digital service to be launched via the myGov platform. Following a trial in late 2026, the service is expected to be available by 2027, allowing Australians to monitor and block the online verification of key identity documents, such as passports and driver's licences, to prevent identity theft and cyber-enabled crime.