Lycamobile Pays $376,200 Penalty for Identity Verification Failures

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has fined Lycamobile Pty Ltd $376,200 for 131 breaches of anti-scam rules related to identity verification failures during mobile number transfers. The company has also entered into an 18-month court-enforceable undertaking to improve its security arrangements.

Tabcorp Fined $158,400 for Illegal In-Play Sports Bets

Tabcorp Holdings Limited has paid a $158,400 penalty to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for accepting 426 illegal in-play sports bets. This is the third breach of in-play betting rules by Tabcorp since 2021.

Lululemon Fined $702,900 for Spam Email Violations

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has penalised Lululemon Athletica Australia Pty Ltd $702,900 for sending over 370,000 spam emails that failed to include an unsubscribe option. The company also entered into a court-enforceable undertaking to improve compliance.

AUSTRAC Operation Taipan: Money Laundering Investigation Analysis

AUSTRAC has published an analysis of Operation Taipan, a significant money laundering investigation that led to the dismantling of a criminal syndicate depositing $62 million through ATMs. The operation highlighted the effectiveness of the Fintel Alliance public-private partnership in combating financial crime.

AUSTRAC Releases AML/CTF Program Starter Kits for Small Businesses

AUSTRAC has released Anti-Money Laundering/Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) program starter kits to assist small businesses in newly regulated sectors. These kits provide practical tools and step-by-step guidance to help businesses meet their compliance obligations under the AML/CTF Act, which will take effect from July 1.

AUSTRAC Guidance on Compulsory Examination Powers

AUSTRAC has published new guidance on its compulsory examination powers, introduced by the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Amendment Act 2024. The guidance clarifies the scope and application of these powers, which require individuals to attend examinations and provide documents.

AUSTRAC CEO Speech on Gambling Financial Crime Risks

AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas delivered a speech on March 12, 2026, addressing the significant financial crime risks within Australia's gambling sector. The speech highlighted the evolving threats of money laundering and terrorism financing, emphasizing the need for robust Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) controls.

AUSTRAC CEO Speech on Money Laundering and Legal Profession's Role

AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas delivered a speech on March 12, 2026, detailing the mechanics and harm of money laundering. The speech emphasized the legal profession's role in preventing these activities, which cost Australia over $80 billion annually.

Cambridge Analytica Payment Program Registration Deadline

Eligible Australian Facebook users impacted by the Cambridge Analytica matter must register for a payment program by December 31, 2025. The program, established by Meta Platforms as part of an enforceable undertaking with the Australian Information Commissioner, offers payments to over 300,000 affected individuals.

OAIC Highlights Improved Transparency in Government Automated Decision-Making

The Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has released a report highlighting opportunities for government agencies to improve transparency in automated decision-making (ADM). The report follows a review of 23 agencies and identifies a significant gap in public disclosure of ADM use, with only 17% of agencies disclosing it.