The Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA), the peak member body for the ICT industry, is calling for the Government to work with industry and consumers to co-design the proposed Consumer Data Rights (CDR) regulatory framework before its phased implementation from 1 July 2019.
The CDR Bill 2019 is designed to create an extensive regulatory framework for the sharing of consumer data across industry sectors and was introduced into House of Representatives in February. It was immediately referred by the Senate to its Economics and Legislation Committee for inquiry and a report, due by 18 March 2019.
Commenting on the proposed CDR Bill, AIIA CEO Ron Gauci said: “AIIA members support the establishment of a CDR regulatory framework that protects consumer data while fostering innovation in the telecommunications sector. However, AIIA members do not support the imposition of a CDR ‘template’ that is developed to suit the characteristics of the banking and energy sectors. Our members are clear of the need for a telecommunications specific template.
“There is a real risk that inadequate stakeholder engagement and rushed implementation will result in an ambiguous and complex CDR regulatory framework. This could potentially create an unnecessary and onerous compliance burden for the different industry sectors and alienate consumers.
“The CDR initiative is just one example of where Government legislation and regulatory frameworks struggle to keep pace with technology-led business change and innovation. Therefore, we urge the Government, consumers and the telecommunication industry to work together to co-design a clear and trusted CDR regulatory framework.”
The AIIA recommends:
• The implementation of the CDR regulatory framework should include iterative review points.
• Data collected and lessons learnt from the review points should be incorporated into the regulatory frameworks for the energy and telecommunications sectors of the economy.
• These reviews should include consideration of technological advancements and the adequacy of existing regulatory frameworks that already apply to the telecommunication sector.
AIIA has made two previous joint submissions to Government on the CDR regulatory framework in September and October 2018. The issues raised in these joint submissions by AIIA and Communications Alliance members remain current.
The Bill is due to be debated in Parliament during its 2 April 2019 sitting days. The Bill, if successfully enacted, is due to come into effect from 1 July 2019.