Data is essentially information. It can be raw data, such as information about customers, suppliers or other information, or more formal data such as trade secrets, confidential information about business processes and procedures, databases, insights or forms of intellectual property such as databases or software code.

Often businesses assume data is regulated and protected in the same way as other intangible assets, such as intellectual property, but this is generally not the case.

So how is data legally protected in Australia and what can businesses do to identify risks and opportunities of participating in the data economy?

In our latest guide on how the data economy impacts businesses, we look at the relevant data protection laws in Australia and ways in which businesses can benefit from cataloguing and analysing their data. We also highlight the risks and opportunities of introducing technology, such as automation and AI, to handle data and the various issues that could arise from data sharing. Click here to read the full guide.

This publication does not deal with every important topic or change in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you have found this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances please contact one of the named individuals listed.