Data & Tech: Navigating a connected world

Bunnings’ use of facial recognition technology (FRT) to identify and deal with unlawful activity by repeat offenders was permitted under the Privacy Act 1998 (Cth) (Privacy Act) according to the Administrative Review Tribunal (Tribunal).

16 February 2026

At the end of 2025, the Department of Home Affairs (the Department) released a consultation paper for proposed enhancements to the Security of Critical Infrastructure (Critical Infrastructure Risk Management Program) Rules 2023 (CIRMP Rules) for certain asset classes (Consultation Paper).

30 January 2026

Singapore invites AI-ready low-carbon data centres in new 200MW expansion round. This second Data Centre – Call for Application (DC-CFA2) process marks the most significant opportunity to enter or expand in Singapore’s highly regulated market since Singapore’s introduction of a moratorium on the construction of new data centres in 2019.

09 December 2025

We map the key elements in the Australia Government's National AI Plan.

05 December 2025

The New South Wales Government has introduced the Work Health and Safety Amendment (Digital Work Systems) Bill 2025 (NSW) into parliament, seeking to introduce specific duties and entry permit holder rights in relation to digital work systems into the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW).

27 November 2025

Welcome to the 2025 edition of KWM’s annual privacy law update.

25 November 2025

The Commonwealth’s Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) has issued new guidance on the use of public generative AI tools for Australian Government agencies and staff.

20 October 2025

The space sector is faced with the challenge of re-imagining what cooperation, multilateralism, sovereignty and jurisdiction should look like in a new age.

02 October 2025

Australia is taking its next active steps to strengthen the licensing, conduct and consumer protection framework for digital asset services.

02 October 2025

The space sector is in the midst of a rapid transformation. The global space economy was valued at over $450 billion by 2022, and some analysts project it could reach $1.8 trillion by 2035.

22 September 2025

For the second time this year, the Australian Government has announced proposed changes to the Telecommunications Act 1997 (Cth) (the Act) that will require carriage service providers (CSPs) to register on the “CSP Register”, significantly strengthen the ACMA’s compliance and enforcement powers and increase penalties for breaches of telecommunications regulations.

18 September 2025

On Monday, the NSW Government announced the Investment Delivery Authority (IDA), a new authority designed to fast track major investment projects in NSW, will be ready to accept Expressions of Interest (EOIs) in the coming weeks.

17 September 2025

This week, the Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2025 (Cth) (Bill) was introduced into the House of Representatives.

08 September 2025

With the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) set to touch down in Sydney on 29 September, all eyes are on Australia’s rapidly evolving space sector. In the first half of 2025 alone, local operators have landed world-first re-entries, raised nine-figure rounds and bolstered Australia’s claim to “end-to-end” capability – from sovereign launch pads to orbital servicing. As the industry gears up to explore the IAC theme of “Sustainable Space: Resilient Earth”, we take a look at what’s been keeping the Australian space sector busy in 2025 to-date, and the trends and challenges we see on the horizon.

05 September 2025

How is technology changing what productivity means? And how can it secure our digital future across the region?

03 September 2025

In a data centre hub of Tokyo, a developer receives word from local power grid operator TEPCO: a site they’ve purchased to develop a data centre will not have the power it needs for up to 10 years.

15 August 2025

As the adoption of AI in service delivery increases, government needs to decide what to require of its suppliers in relation to their use of AI.

12 August 2025

The Australian Government has released a comprehensive Technical Standard for the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across government agencies.

07 August 2025

Responsible entities who are submitting their 2025 Critical Infrastructure Risk Management Program (CIRMP) report should be aware that the form was updated by the Critical Infrastructure Security Centre (CISC) in April this year.

24 July 2025

Malaysia is rapidly emerging as one of the most dynamic data centre markets in Southeast Asia. In the first 10 months of 2024 alone, the country recorded an astounding US$32 billion in digital sector investments, tripling the total investments for 2023. This surge is largely driven by hyperscalers such as Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Google and Oracle, who have collectively invested US$23.3 billion to date. With its strategic proximity to Singapore, particularly Johor, and favourable policies and economic incentives, Malaysia has become a regional data centre hub. Yet with such rapid growth comes sustainability pressures. Malaysian federal and state governments are seeking to tackle these head-on.

16 July 2025

Singapore is the leading data centre hub in Asia, a title it has held for some time. It offers a stable, well-regulated and highly connected environment. With strong submarine cable infrastructure, 100% foreign ownership permitted and targeted tax incentives, Singapore remains a preferred regional base for hyperscalers and enterprise operators serving Asia. The government supports cross-border data flows and aligns closely with international standards, reinforcing its position as a top-tier digital infrastructure market.

16 July 2025

Thailand’s data centre market is relatively small compared to other APAC countries, with an estimated value of US$1.56 billion in 2024. However, it offers promising potential, supported by relatively simple regulatory frameworks and affordable capital requirements. Economic and tax incentives, including special economic zones and economic corridors, support data centre development and foreign investment through corporate tax exemptions, land ownership rights and streamlined approvals.

16 July 2025

Japan’s data centre market was the third largest worldwide in 2024 by revenue, sitting behind only the US and China. The same year, Tokyo was the most popular market among surveyed data centre investors within APAC.

16 July 2025

Vietnam is growing as a data centre market from a relatively low base. There is strong government support for data centre investment. Recent legislative changes provide greater certainty around foreign ownership, PPAs and the regulatory status of data centres, while strategic incentives and benefits are available including at special high- tech parks.

16 July 2025

Australia’s data centre market is anticipated to double in size in the next five years. With its stable economy, transparent regulatory framework and high quality infrastructure, Australia is a relatively safe location for data centre investment from a legal and regulatory perspective.

16 July 2025

Indonesia is one to watch in the APAC region for data centre growth. The draw of tax incentives and special economic zones, coupled with low barriers to foreign investment, has made it an attractive destination for investment from big global players.

16 July 2025

China remains one of the most strategically important and tightly regulated data centre markets in Asia. Strong domestic demand - driven by AI adoption, cloud growth and digital transformation - continues to support large-scale infrastructure investment. At the same time, operators must navigate complex challenges, including strict data localisation rules, cybersecurity obligations and foreign investment restrictions.

16 July 2025

Over the last decade, data centres have emerged as one of the most significant asset classes for investment globally. Funds initially followed the growing demand for cloud technologies, as enterprises moved away from on-premises processing. More recently, the accelerated build out of infrastructure to support the world’s appetite for AI has emerged as another key driver.

16 July 2025

South Korea is a burgeoning hub for data centre investment. With its robust economy and reputation as a regional ‘safe haven’, it attracts strong interest from international investors, developers and operators. It presents a compelling landscape for data centre investment, particularly due to the absence of foreign investment restrictions and presence of attractive incentives.

16 July 2025

India’s data centre industry is experiencing rapid growth. Capacity is expected to reach 1.8GW by 2027, driven by digital transformation, favourable government policies and AI adoption. For investors and operators, the market presents significant opportunities, including access to a large and growing customer base, tax and infrastructure incentives offered by various states and increasing localisation requirements across regulated sectors.

16 July 2025

As a key financial hub of Asia, Hong Kong is an important data centre market. With ‘open door’ investment and foreign exchange policies, it stands out as a dynamic centre for technological advancement and investment.

16 July 2025

The Philippines is a dynamic and emerging data centre market. The market was valued at US$633 million in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 20.89% to reach US$1.97 billion by 2030. The Philippines government has also been actively promoting the development of data centres through various incentives and regulatory support, positioning the country as an attractive destination for investment.

16 July 2025

In the second instalment of our energy considerations for data centres, we explore the emerging area of colocating battery energy storage systems (BESS), where we unpack the key considerations and opportunities.

07 July 2025

KWM recently hosted a webinar where we heard from a diverse panel on governance challenges created by the proliferation of AI in business.

30 June 2025

Data centres are vital to Australia’s digital future, driving essential services, AI platforms, cloud computing and all of the internet connected devices in each of our homes.

11 June 2025

A contract can be both an asset and a liability for a company, containing both rights to which the company is entitled and obligations which the company must perform.

10 June 2025

Driven by our fast and furious demand for instantaneous data and AI, the development and operation of data centres is placing unprecedented demands on Australia’s electricity network.

02 June 2025

Recitals are commonly used to provide context for a written contract. For example, recitals may explain the background to the relationship that the parties are entering into or include a statement about what the contract is intended to achieve.

29 May 2025

Government Agencies’ transparency statements are in – now it’s time to review them! Agencies’ attitudes to the statements vary significantly across the board, and varying degrees of transparency are achieved.

28 May 2025

Key findings from a report commissioned by AFIA and KWM on the impact of Gen AI and Narrow AI on the Australian finance industry.

23 May 2025

The language used in drafting IT contracts should be simple, clear and unambiguous. Sometimes use of common phrases can assist in this endeavour.

20 May 2025

The Australian Finance Industry Association (AFIA) engaged KWM and Sapere to analyse the impact that AI is having, and that we expect AI to have, on the Australian finance industry.

16 May 2025

Australians have long embraced technological innovation, and nowhere is this more apparent than on our roads. Vehicles that once operated in splendid isolation are now sophisticated, data-generating computers on wheels

13 May 2025

A ‘non-poach’ clause is a contractual provision that seeks to restrain the hiring of one party’s employees by the other party to the contract.

09 May 2025

Often an IT contract will contain optional provisions that a party may use to adjust certain aspects of the contract.

29 April 2025

Australia and the Asia Pacific Region emerge as a hotbed for data centre investment, as the AI revolution and resulting demand for digital infrastructure surges.

17 April 2025

The ACMA is consulting on the new SMS Sender ID Register and associated Draft Telecommunications (SMS Sender ID Register) Industry Standard 2025.

10 April 2025

The Australian National Audit Office’s (ANAO) has recently emphasised the importance of agencies having effective and specific AI governance frameworks. This was the key message coming out of the ANAO’s performance audit report on the ATO’s Governance of Artificial intelligence.

14 March 2025

Following a period of consultation on rules to support the Government’s Omnibus Cyber Security and Critical Infrastructure package discussed here, 4 of the 6 proposed rules have now been registered.

13 March 2025

On 21 January 2025, the Australian Government announced proposed changes to the Telecommunications Act 1997 (Cth) (the Act) that significantly strengthen the ACMA’s compliance and enforcement powers and increase penalties for breaches of telecommunications regulation.

21 February 2025

The Government has tabled a report on the review of the Online Safety Act 2021 (Online Safety Act or OSA).

10 February 2025

Cyber security legislation enacted by the Australian Parliament in late 2024 sought to encourage full and frank disclosure to the government of information by organisations impacted by serious cyber security incidents.

07 February 2025

This week, the Federal Government formally shelved its ‘nature positive’ reform legislation after failing to secure support for the bills in the Senate.

06 February 2025

A bird's-eye view of the key regulatory developments across the digital economy, data and privacy, AI and virtual, cyber security and digital infrastructure.

31 January 2025

This stakeholder map shows our current snapshot of the key players who have a voice in the regulation of AI in Australia.

31 January 2025

The Cyber and Infrastructure Security Centre (CISC) is consulting on proposed new rules to support the implementation of the Government’s recently assented Omnibus Cyber Security and Critical Infrastructure Package. Consultation closes on 14 February 2025.

24 January 2025

The deadline for Commonwealth entities to train their people in Artificial intelligence (AI), including generative AI, is fast approaching.

21 January 2025

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has reissued Regulatory Guide 133 Funds management and Custodial Services: Holding assets (RG 133).

15 January 2025

Each year, we write this publication to recap the key developments in Australian privacy law over the past year.

11 December 2024

Welcome to the first in our series of articles on AI in Government. There is a lot going on in this space, so we’ll be tackling the big issues one at a time in an easily digestible format.

10 December 2024

ASIC’s proposed updates reflect the regulator’s evolving interpretation of how the Corporations Act 2001 (Corporations Act) applies to crypto- and digital assets since INFO 225 was last updated in October 2021.

05 December 2024

The digital asset sector moves at breakneck speed, making it important to follow all key regulatory, market and industry updates as they occur.

04 December 2024

The Australian Treasury has released a long-awaited consultation paper on Australia’s implementation of the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) and amendments to the Common Reporting Standard (CRS) (OECD Crypto Rules).

03 December 2024

The Government’s legislative package that implements a range of initiatives aimed at improving Australia’s cyber security consistent with its 2023-2030 Cyber Security Strategy has now been passed and is awaiting Royal Assent.

27 November 2024

The Government has introduced the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 (Bill) into Parliament.

22 November 2024

The Australian Government is seeking to implement reforms to the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (Privacy Act).

21 November 2024

With a substantially pared back Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 (the Bill) before Parliament, only the statutory tort remains.

15 October 2024

The Government has released a legislative package that implements a range of initiatives aimed at improving Australia’s cyber security consistent with its 2023-2030 Cyber Security Strategy.

14 October 2024

An ever-increasing proportion of business is conducted outside of the physical office and contracted hours – most commonly, on an employee’s mobile device, whether it is their personal device or employer-provided.

11 October 2024

An evolution of Australia’s monetary arrangements is a step closer this week, with the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and Commonwealth Treasury releasing an important new paper on central bank digital currency (CBDC).

20 September 2024

The Government's proposed Scams Prevention Framework (SPF) is a significant regulatory development, imposing broad positive obligations on telco providers, banks, and digital platform providers (as a start) to protect consumers from scams.

18 September 2024

The Government has (at last) introduced the first tranche of long-anticipated privacy reforms.

18 September 2024

The Australian Government has released a proposal for the introduction of ten mandatory guardrails (Mandatory Guardrails) that AI developers and deployers must comply with for AI in “high-risk” settings and general purpose AI models.

16 September 2024

A privacy reform Bill has been introduced to parliament. If enacted, the Bill will implement significant changes to the Privacy Act, including introducing broader enforcement powers for the Australian Information Commissioner, a statutory tort for serious invasions of privacy, greater transparency for individuals regarding use of personal information for automated decision-making, and additional protections for children’s privacy.

12 September 2024

With draft legislation for implementation of reforms to Australian privacy laws likely to be introduced this month, we’ve taken a look at some of the more impactful changes likely to be flagged and what that might mean for your organisation.

05 September 2024

Consumer energy resources (CERs) are consumer-owned devices that generate, store, or manage electricity.

05 September 2024

Trust, safety, security and the regulators’ rise were central to messages shared across the 11 sessions at the KWM Digital Future Summit 2024, which culminated in a focus on the technology and innovation that is at the heart of our energy transition.

03 September 2024

In our previous Insight, we explored the proposed statutory tort for serious invasions of privacy detailed in the Attorney-General’s Department’s Privacy Act Review Report (Report) in February 2023. Draft legislation is expected in coming months.

29 August 2024

Johor sits at the southern tip of Malaysia, minutes away from neighbouring Singapore. Lesser known than the nation’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, and less developed than its most populous state of Selangor, Johor – and its capital Johor Bahru – are rapidly rising in prominence.

29 August 2024

The Government has outlined its plans for the Consumer Data Right (CDR) ecosystem, focusing in particular on reducing the costs of compliance for industry participants, lowering the barriers to adoption for consumers and increasing uptake of the CDR in the sectors in which the CDR is already active.

26 August 2024

Recent advances in the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) systems have led many organisations to begin to explore new use cases and new AI technologies.

21 August 2024

The Australian public is nervous about AI and has low trust that companies using AI will protect their personal data.

01 August 2024

Getting lost in the changing landscape of AI regulatory requirements?

24 July 2024

The Australian Government has confirmed its commitment to introduce a new direct right of action for breaches of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (the Act) or the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and a statutory tort for serious invasions of privacy.

12 July 2024

Responsible entities who are subject to the Security of Critical Infrastructure (Critical infrastructure risk management program) Rules (LIN 23/006) 2023 (CIRMP Rules) are required to submit their first annual report within 90 days of the end of the financial year (by 28 September 2024). Responsible entities should now be taking steps to prepare the annual report to ensure it is ready to submit by the deadline.

10 July 2024

Legislation establishing a new SMS Sender ID Registry (Register) has been introduced by the Australian government. The Register is intended to record entities that send messages by SMS to Australian phone numbers using alphanumeric sender identification (alpha tags). Whether registration will be mandatory or voluntary has not yet been determined but, as there is support for it to be made mandatory, this is an important development to watch for entities that use SMS or MMS to communicate with customers.

08 July 2024

The number of organisations adopting AI in some form has surged over the past year.

03 July 2024

ASX updated Guidance Note 8 to include a new example addressing a cyber incident.

27 June 2024

Welcome back to our 5-part series exploring the emerging opportunities and challenges associated with the uptake of CER in Australia from a tech law perspective, with a focus on privacy and data, AI and automation, cyber security and contracting to enable the transition to CER.

20 June 2024

The rise of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) brings with it a range of fundamental copyright issues that profoundly impacts the creative industries.

12 June 2024

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) recently published a report (Report) about businesses that collect, sell and/or share users’ personal information for purposes such as market segmentation, risk management and property data analysis.

07 June 2024

King & Wood Mallesons is delighted to have assisted the newly ASX-listed Endeavour Group in its demerger from the Woolworths Group, reflecting their vision to create two simpler, more focused independent businesses that are better equipped for future growth.

07 July 2021

Mobile network users in many Australian capital cities are enjoying a 10 – 20 percent increase in 4G speed, thanks to an Australian-first spectrum re-stack between Telstra and TPG.

06 July 2021

King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) has acted for funds advised by Affinity Equity Partners (S) Pte Ltd and its affiliates (and the other vendor shareholders) on the sale of Australian live events and ticketing business, TEG.

04 October 2019

King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) has acted for Telstra Corporation (Telstra) on its $700 million sale of 49 per cent of a new unlisted property trust to a consortium led by Charter Hall.

29 August 2019

King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) has advised Queensland Museum to ensure the successful arrival of its latest and largest ever exhibition, NASA – A Human Adventure.

10 May 2019

King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) advised the shareholders of MST Global Holdings Pty Ltd (MST), including major shareholder Macquarie Capital, on its sale to Odyssey Private Equity. Following a competitive sale process, Odyssey is set to take a controlling stake in MST - which is a leader in providing unified communications, data infrastructure, real-time tracking and asset management solutions for harsh and mobile industrial environments. The KWM cross-practice team was led by Partners Lee Horan (M&A), Darren McClafferty (Tax) and Dale Rayner (B&F), supported by Special Counsel Jason Barnes, Senior Associates Luke Mulcahy and Sarah Hickey, and Solicitor Harsha Garikapati. Commenting on the transaction, Lee Horan said; "We are proud to have advised MST shareholders, in particular long-term client Macquarie Capital, on this strategic sale following an extensive sale process which required the firm's extensive cross-practice capabilities."

21 June 2018

King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) advised joint lead arrangers and bookrunners, Goldman Sachs (as left lead) and JPMorgan on a landmark A$350 million Term Loan B facility for leading tech companies LEAP Legal Software Pty Ltd (LEAP) and InfoTrack Group Pty Limited (InfoTrack), under the holding company, Australian Technology Innovators. InfoTrack is considered Australia's leading regulated data provider for property, company and personal information, while LEAP provides practice management software for small and medium-sized law firms. The transaction is the first Australian law standalone covenant-lite AUD Term Loan B facility for an Australian corporate – differentiating it from other transactions where the AUD Term Loan B tranche was part of a wider transaction with USD tranches or with a US parent. Banking Partner, Yuen-Yee Cho led the KWM team, supported by Senior Associate Jason Byrne and Solicitors Zoe Anderson, Karen Chen and Jing Wang from Banking. Specialist IT/IP assistance was provided by Partner Patrick Gunning and Senior Associates Nick Sinclair and Melissa Miller. Commenting on the deal, Yuen-Yee Cho said; "KWM are delighted at the opportunity to work on this significant transaction in the developing A$-denominated covenant lite loan market. The product connects domestic and international institutional debt investors with Australian corporates, providing them with a wider choice of financing options." KWM also acted on other recent AUD covenant-lite Term Loan B financings including Cimic/Apollo's Ventia Group (previously known as Leighton Services), Baring Private Equity's SAI Global and Bain Capital's Camp Australia.

18 September 2017

King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) is acting for market leading banking and finance software specialist, Temenos Group AG on its proposal to acquire 100% of Rubik Financial Limited's shares via a scheme of arrangement.

17 February 2017