Legal Counsel - Content Safety, Product & Privacy

About the role

Canva is seeking a legal professional to join the Product and Privacy team in Sydney. This position focuses on the intersection of AI development, product counseling, and global regulatory compliance. You will work across international time zones to support engineering and product teams in launching new features while managing complex legal risks.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Provide legal advice on product safety, online content moderation, youth safety, AI regulation, privacy, and intellectual property.
• Partner with product managers and engineers to guide development and go-to-market strategies for Generative AI tools.
• Design and implement company-wide safety policies, risk assessment frameworks, and procedures for handling government or law enforcement inquiries.
• Create legal playbooks and internal guidance documents.
• Coordinate with security, policy, and trust and safety teams to manage data security or safety incidents, including investigations and notifications.
• Monitor global regulatory changes and perform impact assessments to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Support organizational training initiatives regarding privacy and legal standards.

Requirements

• Current AU or NZ practising certificate.
• Minimum of 8 years of legal experience, including time spent in-house.
• Knowledge of online safety legislation, such as the UK and AU Online Safety Acts and the Digital Services Act.
• Familiarity with privacy, platform, and consumer laws applicable to digital products and Generative AI, including GDPR.
• Understanding of modern AI technologies.
• Experience managing data incidents and responding to government authority requests.
• Ability to work effectively with global teams across different time zones.

Nice to have

• AIGP, CIPP/E or equivalent certifications (must obtain at least one within 6 months of hire).
• Hands-on experience advising high-growth technology companies on product and privacy regulations.
• Familiarity with the Canva platform and a high level of comfort with AI experimentation.

Skills & tools

• Legal advisory
• Regulatory compliance
• Risk management
• Incident response
• Stakeholder management

Practical notes

• Benefits include equity packages, inclusive parental leave, and an annual Vibe and Thrive allowance for wellbeing and office setup.
• The role follows a hybrid work model based in the Sydney campus.
• Interviews are conducted virtually.
• Please include your pronouns and any requirements for reasonable adjustments during the interview process in your application.