I am lucky to be writing this introduction to the APAC Digest from Akaroa, New Zealand. So, here's a special hello to all our New Zealand members.

I have learned Akaroa is the product of an ancient volcano. That time probably seems many light years from today, when terms like "uberizing" and "cyber-physical system" are being introduced into our lexicon, as evidenced in this Digest.

The Conversation's article about the vulnerability of digital systems in smart cars to cyber hacking as they become increasingly connected highlights the need for Australia to follow other jurisdictions in developing clear cybersecurity standards in the design, manufacture and supply chain of smart cars — one more challenge for privacy professionals.

We are reminded by DLA's report in Lexology of the need to take privacy compliance seriously. This is demonstrated by the Hong Kong Privacy Commissioner's recent action to secure a criminal conviction after its directions to a respondent to a privacy complaint were ignored.

I have been struck recently by the number of concerns still being raised about the information-sharing practices of organizations not being clearly reflected in their privacy policies. It seems like a no-brainer. But it remains a challenge across jurisdictions. It is crucial to setting a baseline for consumer trust and for transparency.

It is also a living document that will need to change. However, it is, of course, not the whole answer either.

This issue and a whole lot more are waiting for your reading pleasure.