NextGen applauds government discussion paper on possible screen scraping ban

NextGen, Australia’s premier technology solution provider to the lending industry, has welcomed the recent release of the Albanese Government’s discussion paper proposing a potential ban on screen scraping in financial services. This critical development aligns with NextGen’s commitment to providing secure, transparent, and innovative solutions within the evolving landscape of consumer data protection and open banking.

The Government’s move to consider the prohibition of screen scraping comes in the wake of the statutory review of the Consumer Data Right (CDR), which recommended banning this practice wherever CDR is a viable alternative.

At the Intersekt23 Festival last week, Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones highlighted the risks associated with screen scraping and the need for better alternatives.

Tony Carn, Chief Customer Officer of NextGen, echoed Minister Jones’s sentiments, saying, “We applaud the Government’s efforts to prioritise data security and consumer protection in the financial sector.”

“NextGen has long been committed to providing secure, cutting-edge solutions that eliminate the need for screen scraping practices, which involve consumers sharing sensitive login details with third parties.”

NextGen’s CDR-enabled open banking solution for mortgage brokers and lenders offers a more secure, efficient, and transparent alternative to screen scraping. As an ACCC-accredited data recipient (ADR) under the Consumer Data Right (CDR), NextGen ensures that its open banking solutions adhere to strict regulatory guidelines, providing a higher level of data security and privacy for Australian consumers.

“Our solutions empower mortgage brokers as trusted advisers by offering enriched data and powerful insights into a customer’s financial position,” he said.

“This not only enhances the quality of loan applications but also delivers a superior home loan application and assessment experience for brokers, lenders, and customers.

“NextGen open banking was first launched with mortgage aggregator group Finsure in November 2022 and is now available to brokers under a number of broking groups. NextGen is also working with number of major lenders to bring CDR-enabled open banking solutions to market,” Mr Carn said.

Screen scraping, a technology that collects displayed data, poses significant cybersecurity risks and may compromise consumer protection. In contrast, open banking offers numerous advantages:

• Consent control: Clients must provide explicit consent before data sharing occurs, enhancing trust and security.
• No need for login credentials: Open banking eliminates the need for customers to share online banking login credentials, reducing the risk of unauthorised access.
• Regulatory oversight and standards: Open banking adheres to strict government regulations and industry standards, ensuring the highest level of data security.
• Secure APIs and encryption: The use of secure APIs and encryption ensures data is protected during transmission and storage.
• Data minimisation: Open banking accesses only the necessary data, reducing exposure to sensitive information.
• Easy consent revocation: Clients can revoke consent at any time, giving them control and peace of mind.

Mr Carn said NextGen was actively collaborating with mortgage aggregators and major lenders in bringing CDR-enabled open banking solutions to the market, building a safer and more efficient financial ecosystem for all Australians.