Privacy – it’s everyone’s business
Privacy Awareness Week is an annual event run by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC). It promotes the public awareness of just how crucial it is to keep your personal information protected. This year, it’s running the week of Monday 16 to Sunday 22 June!
Australian businesses and organisations with an annual income over $3 million are legally required to follow the Privacy Act 1988. There are further regulations set by individual states and territories, but the OAIC deals mainly with breaches of the privacy Act.
What is the Privacy Act 1988?
This regulates how government agencies and Australian companies store, use, and manage your personal information.
And if something goes wrong?
If agencies and companies don’t follow these regulations, they could be subject to penalties.
So, what sort of personal information?
This means anything that can be used to identify you as an individual;
- 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
What’s actually protected? 🔒
- the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information
- an organisation or agency’s governance and accountability
- integrity and correction of personal information
- the rights of individuals to access their personal information
What are your privacy rights?
- knowing why your personal information is being collected, how it’ll be used, and who has access to it
- having the option of not identifying yourself
- accessing to your personal information and see what information is stored
- requesting any incorrect personal information to be corrected
- to make a complaint about an organisation or government agency if you think your information has been mishandled
How can you help protect your privacy online?
- ensure your device has the most recent security software updates and patches
- regularly update your passwords to be strong and unique
- don’t click on suspicious links!
- pay close attention to terms and conditions, and privacy policies – websites and apps will specify what information they require, keep, and divulge, but people will often skip right past this!
- check your privacy settings – your email, your social media, online accounts and platforms, and your devices will have settings you can adjust and customise to be more secure
- utilise reputable online resources
Why does this matter to you?
If your personal information is leaked or stolen, this can lead to cases of identity theft, financial, and reputational damage.
And just remember…
You can make a complaint to the OAIC if you’re concerned about your personal information being used inappropriately, or report if you believe your privacy rights have been breached.
