Lawmakers around the world are setting their sights on ‘dark patterns’, the way consumer choice is manipulated wholesale by companies for profit – either directly by upselling and herding them into higher yielding decisions, or locking them into services, or “data grabs” that can be monetised indirectly. Australia is next off the rank, and businesses should take action now, starting with UX design, according to Chandni Gupta, Deputy CEO of influential think tank the Consumer Policy Research Centre, who’s work underpins key planks of the ACCC’s regulatory overhauls and which holds sway in Canberra. While business lobby groups are already pushing back against Federal Government plans to beef-up consumer law, Gupta advises businesses not to wait to get fined or caught up in class actions – and make good on claims of customer-centricity.
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EnergyAustralia settles legal case over ‘carbon neutral’ claims
EnergyAustralia has reached a settlement with Parents for Climate in a legal case that challenged the company’s ‘carbon neutral’ marketing claims. This case, the first of its kind in Australia, scrutinised the efficacy of carbon offset programs and raised concerns about corporate greenwashing.
Corona tops Kantar BrandZ global beer brand rankings for second year running
Corona has been named the world’s most valuable beer brand for the second consecutive year, according to the Kantar BrandZ 2025 Most Valuable Global Brands report. The report marks its 20th anniversary in 2025.
CommBank shines in Kantar BrandZ 2025 rankings amidst global brand growth
CommBank has emerged as the sole Australian brand in the 2025 Kantar BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands, securing the 74th position overall. The bank’s brand value has reached USD $32,093 million, marking a 39% increase from the previous year. In the financial services category, CommBank has climbed three places to rank 11th.
Sex sells: Clarity in a cluttered broadcasting marketing sees SBS bare brand soul – and more – in risqué new campaign
SBS chief commercial and marketing officer, Jane Palfreyman, happily touted SBS’s colloquially known status as ‘sex before soccer’ in a recent Upfronts speech that exuded pride in the broadcaster’s heritage, unique cultural content make-up and audience mix. Now, as the broadcaster further revels in its 50-year anniversary, the marketing team has stepped up another rung on the risqué ladder, debuting a brand campaign led by a film featuring a nude streaker traversing some of the unique content types that can only be found on SBS – including a threesome. It’s one of those things you can do when you’re a well-tenured marketing chief with a firm eye on the commercial prize, in a business that has clarity about what it stands for amid a cluttered TV and broadcasting landscape, says Palfreyman, who adds internal buy-in on the bold creative play came quickly.
Aussie consumers shift towards local goods amidst tariff turmoil: Kantar
Kantar’s latest Consumer Sentiment Barometer reveals significant shifts in Australian consumer behaviour in response to economic pressures. According to the findings, 42% of Australians are poised to cease purchasing US products and services due to tariffs, while 53% intend to increase their consumption of local goods.
ASICS appoints first canine brand ambassador to promote mental wellbeing
ASICS has become the first sports brand to appoint a dog, Felix the Samoyed, as an official brand ambassador, taking cue from new global research that highlights the significant influence dogs have on physical activity and mental wellbeing.
David Jones hires former Iconic CEO Erica Berchtold as first chief commercial officer
David Jones has appointed Erica Berchtold, the former chief executive of online retail giant The Iconic, as chief commercial officer, with the newly created role to form part of the department store’s Executive Leadership Team.
GWM creates spa bath ‘carpool’ to fit Cannon Alpha Plug-in Hybrid
GWM has developed a new luxury innovation to support the launch of its Cannon Alpha Plug-in Hybrid model, introducing ‘The Carpool’ – a heated, bubbling spa bath designed to fit in the vehicle’s rear tray.
Millennials and Gen Z propel new business growth in Australia, CommBank reports
Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CommBank) research reveals that Millennials and Gen Z are at the forefront of new business creation in Australia, accounting for 62% of new business account openings over the past year.