Maurice Blackburn Files Class Action Against Optus Over Massive Data Breach
Maurice Blackburn Lawyers have filed a representative complaint against Optus, seeking compensation for millions of Australians affected by the telco's catastrophic data breach. The complaint, lodged with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, holds Optus accountable for exposing customers' sensitive information.
The breach, Australia's largest ever, exposed customers' names, dates of birth, phone numbers, email addresses, and sensitive document information. Macquarie University academic Sean Foley, one of the affected individuals, is the representative complainant. The complaint alleges Optus failed to protect personal data and ensure destruction of unnecessary information, violating the Privacy Act's requirement for corporations to take reasonable steps to safeguard personal information.
Principal Vavaa Mawuli of Maurice Blackburn Lawyers stated that data breaches are a growing concern as companies handle more personal data. He added that Optus' failure to protect customers' information is unacceptable, and they should be held accountable. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, led by Angelene Falk, has the power to order Optus to pay compensation to affected customers and impose penalties for non-compliance with the Privacy Act.
The representative complaint against Optus seeks compensation for affected customers and holds the company accountable for the data breach. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner will investigate the matter, with the power to order compensation and impose penalties if Optus is found to have failed in its obligations under the Privacy Act.
