Australia’s Digital Economy On Notice: Regulators Propose Legislation Targeting Consumer Manipulation, Subscription Traps And Hidden Fees

The Competition and Consumer Amendment (Unfair Trading Practices) Bill 2026 (Cth), released by the Federal Government this month will amend the Australian Consumer Law to prohibit a range of unfair trading practices in the digital economy (Digital Economy Bill). This draft legislation follows regulatory consultations and inquiries to improve consumer protections from unfair trading practices, including Treasury’s 2024 consultations on whether to introduce a general prohibition on unfair trading... By: Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer