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The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) has announced a new hub to investigate the potential for “citizen-centred digital platforms”, with former NSW minister for digital Victor Dominello as its director.
UTS worked closely with the University of NSW on the project, with Dominello as a close collaborator. The initiative hopes to support businesses and individuals alike in building trust into digital society as a foundational element.
The key issue is that 24/7 digital services are now so widespread that few people can escape them — and by and large most people don’t want to, as they deliver ease-of-use and easy access to a range of services from the way we receive medical care to shopping for groceries. The problem, Dominello believes, is in being able to trust how user data is collected and used — and how it is kept secure.
“We founded the Trustworthy Digital Society Hub to help create a world where individuals and communities can fully benefit from the opportunities of the digital age without sacrificing their privacy, security or fundamental rights,” Dominello said in an announcement.
“The hub will be a centre of innovation, bringing together researchers, technologists and policymakers to develop new digital technologies and practices that prioritise privacy, security and ethical considerations. It will serve as a trusted resource providing education, training and tools to help people understand the risks and benefits of digital technologies and to make informed decisions about how to use them safely and responsibly.”
Dominello has a strong digital background. As NSW minister for digital until his retirement from politics this year, he oversaw the government’s digital transformation program, including an overhaul of Service NSW and its accompanying app, as well as the introduction of vaccine certificates and QR code check-ins while NSW was emerging from lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic.
UNSW vice-chancellor and president Professor Attila Brungs believes Dominello will bring a wealth of experience to the directorship.
“Victor was responsible for modernising the delivery of government services in NSW and has demonstrated in building NSW’s online customer services how technology can transform people’s lives for the better,” Professor Brungs said.
“UNSW looks forward to providing valuable guidance as part of this important collaboration, for individuals, government and industry and creating a true digital society.”
David Hollingworth has been writing about technology for over 20 years, and has worked for a range of print and online titles in his career. He is enjoying getting to grips with cyber security, especially when it lets him talk about Lego.
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