About this event
auDA is pleased to invite you to the launch of its third Digital Lives of Australians research report, an exploration into the online experiences of Australian consumers and small businesses.
This year’s report explores Australians’ use of and readiness to adopt emerging technologies such as AI and the metaverse.
The research aims to improve industry understanding of Australians’ online activities and promote better digital policy and practical improvements for Australians.
To launch the report, provide their insights and discuss the practical implications of the report findings, we will be joined by industry experts including:
- Prof Johanna Weaver - Director of ANU's Tech Policy Design Centre
- Chandni Gupta - Deputy CEO and Digital Policy Director of Consumer Policy Research Centre
- Keith McGowan - Director, Research at SEC Newgate
About the report
Digital Lives of Australians is an annual research report prepared by auDA with research partner, SEC Newgate Research.
auDA released its inaugural Digital Lives of Australians research in 2021 and its second Digital Lives of Australians research report in 2022.
The Digital Lives of Australians 2022 research report found that Australians of all ages value the internet, with 98 per cent of Australians reporting that the internet is a valuable asset in their everyday lives. The research also identified:
- A shortfall in skilled staff will prevent small businesses from fully realising online opportunities
- Privacy and cyber security are key concerns for Australian consumers and small businesses
- Australian consumers are cautiously optimistic about emerging digital technologies.
This year’s report further explores Australian consumer and small business digital skills and their experiences, expectations and readiness to adopt emerging technologies.
Our panellists:
Prof Johanna Weaver
Professor Johanna Weaver is the founding Director of the Tech Policy Design Centre (TPDC) at the Australian National University.
The Tech Policy Design Centre is reimagining how governance shapes technology. Its mission is to develop fit-for-purpose tech policy frameworks to shape technology for the long-term benefit of humanity. TPDC works to mature the tech-governance ecosystem in collaboration with industry, government, civil society, and academia.
Before joining ANU, Professor Weaver was Australia’s independent expert and lead negotiator on cyber issues at the United Nations. In this role, she engaged with governments, industry, and civil society to shape national and international tech regulation. Earlier, Professor Weaver led the Cyber Affairs Branch at the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, working closely with Australia’s inaugural Ambassador for Cyber Affairs.
Chandni Gupta
Chandni leads CPRC’s research and policy program, while also leading CPRC’s research stream on protecting consumers in a digital world. Her work to date includes exploring the consumer shift from the analogue towards the digital economy, the impact of deceptive and manipulative online design on Australian consumers and the key gaps that currently exist in Australia’s consumer protections.
She joined CPRC is July 2021 bringing community engagement experience from various state and federal agencies such as the ACCC. She also brings a global perspective from experience at the United Nations, and leading global consumer policy development in product recall effectiveness at the OECD.
A tech geek earlier in her career, she’s passionate about digital products and markets that are safe, accessible, and meaningful for consumers. But also loves high quality analogue style paper and notebooks.
Chandni holds a Bachelor of Information Technology (Information Systems) and a Master of Business (specialising in public relations). Chandni is also an Executive Member of the Consumers’ Federations of Australia.
Keith McGowan
Keith is a Research Director at SEC Newgate Australia. He is a highly experienced market and social research practitioner with nearly 20 years’ experience in the field in Australia and the UK.
As a Research Director, Keith leads the design, implementation, and delivery of primary research studies, drawing upon a repertoire of qualitative and quantitative methodologies. He has worked with auDA since 2021, helping to establish the Digital Lives of Australians research program.
As a member of the Gen X cohort, Keith grew up in a pre-internet age but has embraced the internet and the myriad tools and applications that it underpins, not least in the research profession.
More than anything, Keith maintains a fascination with consumer behaviour and societal trends. He enjoys working on research that shines a light on the challenges that consumers face to support the development of solutions that improve the everyday lives of ordinary people
If you're not yet a .au member, come along to see what it's about. .au membership demonstrates your support for an open, free, secure and global internet. It's complimentary and provides you access to a range of benefits including updates on current and emerging digital trends and invitations to exclusive member events. Join today!
