Privacy Awareness Week

Privacy awareness week

Trust is built here – In every privacy complaint. In every resolution.

Privacy Awareness Week (PAW) is an annual program designed to bring attention to your rights to privacy, and the importance of protecting your personal data.

The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) runs PAW each year alongside each state and territory, to ensure we are all aware how crucial it is to be an active agent in your online safety.

Running through the week of 4-10 May this year, the national theme focuses on the positive effects of efficient complaint handling. If the worst has happened and you need to act quickly, the last thing you need is a lengthy and confusing reporting process.

Quick, simple, and clear responses build trust in the regulatory systems in place, and peace of mind in the community that their privacy is safeguarded.

What information?

Any identifiable data:

  • name, signature, address, phone number, date of birth
  • credit information
  • employee record information
  • photographs
  • internet protocol (IP) addresses
  • voice print and facial recognition biometrics
  • location information from a mobile device
Protect your privacy

Protect your privacy

  1. Read the privacy policies for websites, applications, and companies
  2. Only use secure and trusted networks
  3. Use strong and unique passwords for all your accounts
  4. Enable multifactor wherever possible
  5. Apply software and security updates as soon as available

Report your concerns

If you’re concerned about your personal information being mishandled by an Australian Government agency, you can make a complaint directly with the company or organisation first. If you’re not satisfied with the outcome, you can lodge a privacy complaint with the OAIC.

Report your concerns