influence updates

IOC changes Games advertising rules

Posted on by influence legal.

Photo: tinaboldIn the lead-up to the Rio Olympic Games, it’s worth noting that the International Olympic Committee last year issued guidelines relaxing Rule 40 of the Olympic Charter, which prevents competitors and team personnel from appearing in non-sponsor advertising during the Games period.

However the 2015 guidelines didn’t go as far as some athletes hoped or as some reports have suggested. The guidelines allow non-sponsors to continue with pre-existing, non-specific campaigns during the Games period, as long as the campaign has been approved in advance by the IOC or the relevant National Olympic Committee.

Restricted terms include Rio, victory, summer, performance and games, where the advertisement otherwise suggests a connection.

The IOC’s social media guidelines also restrict athletes’ ability to engage in non-sponsor promotions, so it’s by no means a free-for-all.

The Olympic Games advertising blackout period runs from 27 July to 24 August, and then from 30 August to 21 September for the Paralympic Games.

Submissions due on OAIC’s draft big data guide

Posted on by influence legal.

The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner is calling for submissions on its draft Guide to big data and the Australian Privacy Principles.

The document will not be legally binding or replace the APPs, but will be used by the OAIC as a reference point. As such, some elements of the guide are broad-brush – such as the recommendation not to be “creepy” – while other recommendations are more specific.

Key recommendations in the draft include: Continue reading Submissions due on OAIC’s draft big data guide

Private vocational training provider admits consumer law contraventions

Posted on by influence legal.

Careers Australia Group Limited has provided enforceable undertakings to the ACCC after admitting false or misleading conduct and unconscionable conduct in contravention of the Australian Consumer Law.

The ACCC confirmed this week that Careers Australia will repay Commonwealth funds, cancel enrolments and invite students to have their VET FEE-HELP debts cancelled.

Careers Australia admitted to conduct including:

  • misrepresenting that courses were free;
  • misrepresenting that courses would increase students’ employment prospects; and
  • offering iPads and laptops with claims that they were free if the student signed up to the course.

This conduct included signing up 80 students from the same remote Indigenous community, who were offered inducements and not informed of the debts they would incur.

The admissions highlight troubling issues in the private vocational training sector, with the ACCC and other Commonwealth and State agencies reviewing the activities of several other providers.

Productivity Commission releases draft IP report

Posted on by influence legal.

The Productivity Commission released its draft report on Australia’s intellectual property system on 29 April 2016.

The Commission has been asked to consider whether current arrangements appropriately balance access to ideas and products, and encouragement of innovation, investment and creative works.

Key recommendations Continue reading Productivity Commission releases draft IP report