Organisations Have “Urgent Ethical Obligation” To Notify Customers During Data Breach

Security system design concept. Low angle view close-up on multi colored programming language code and an open 3D glowing wire mesh padlock model in orange color.
Womenleading Tech
By Womenleading Tech



Megan Motto, CEO of the Governance Institute has said that companies have an “urgent ethical obligation” to notify customers in the event of a data breach and that the increasing use of AI, along with privacy protection are top of mind for consumers.

“An overwhelming proportion of those surveyed said they felt it was an ‘urgent ethical obligation’ for companies to notify customers of all data breaches, and to ensure generative AI technologies are not used to mislead or deceive,” said Motto.

“Fears around future job losses due to AI are also proving to be a growing ethical concern.”

The 2023 Governance Institute of Australia Ethics Index, showed that 73 per cent of respondents believe that businesses have an urgent ethical obligation to notify customers about all data breaches. The increased attention on ethics for companies has been driven in large part by Gen Z and Millennials who are demanding more from their companies.

“The Ethical Expectation Deficit – which is the gap between the value we place on ethical behaviour and the perception – is growing wider,” Motto said.

“This indicates that there’s still plenty of work to do by organisations and individuals, both in the
public and private spheres to ensure good, ethical conduct and a positive culture remain top of the
agenda.’”

There are also a number of concerns around generative AI with 71 per cent of respondents saying that companies have to ensure that their technologies are not used by others to mislead or deceive and 60 per cent said that businesses should have to acknowledge that content was created by generative AI.

Data breaches have been big news in Australia recently with Optus’ attack last year affecting almost 40 per cent of the population. With growing concern from the general population, it would certainly pay businesses to be on the front foot with their cybersecurity.

Latest News

Generation Australia’s Cloud Computing Bootcamp Boosted By Motorola Grant
  • Technology

Generation Australia’s Cloud Computing Bootcamp Boosted By Motorola Grant

Talented yet vulnerable prospective candidates looking for a career in tech have recently received a boost with a Motorola Solutions Foundation Grant for Generation Australia’s Cloud Computing Bootcamp. The 16-week part-time program is designed for those unemployed, under-employed or at demonstrable risk of unemployment, including First Nations, women, neurodiverse and those from CALD backgrounds. Cloud […]

Host Of New Hires At Snap
  • Social Media

Host Of New Hires At Snap

Snap Inc. has announced a host of new hires across its team in Australia, including Dina Bailey as ANZ agency lead. Lead image: L to R – Dina Bailey, Bethany Rao-Davies, Sarah Ding, Rob Fitzpatrick, Tony, Daniel King, Elise Keeling The new hires include Dina Bailey, ANZ agency lead; Daniel King, senior client partner; and […]

X Booted Out Of Social Self-Reg Code Following Inaction On Voice To Parliament Disinformation
  • Social Media

X Booted Out Of Social Self-Reg Code Following Inaction On Voice To Parliament Disinformation

X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, has been kicked out of Australia’s code for managing misinformation and disinformation online due to its lack of response to user complaints during the Voice to Parliament referendum. Lead image; Linda Yaccarino, CEO, X Twitter and subsequently X, had been a signatory to the Australian Code of Practice […]