6. Privacy
The definition of digital privacy covers three categories:
- Information privacy – includes how an individual’s personal data is collected and used.
- Communication privacy – includes the guarantee that a person’s online interactions remain confidential.
- Individual privacy – includes the freedom to choose the kind of information one wishes to see, as opposed to being subjected to undesirable content.
There is more about privacy in the Digital Security module.
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner introduced the Privacy Act 1988 to promote and protect the privacy of individuals.
The Privacy Act includes 13 Australian Privacy Principles, which apply to some private sector organisations, as well as most Australian Government agencies.
Government agencies usually provide statements of privacy covering individuals and organisations. For example, Services Australia has a comprehensive website with information for individuals and organisations.
- Information for individuals covers families, parents, job seekers, older Australians, your health and much more under each subheading.
- Information for organisations covers business, health professionals, and community, with more information under each subheading.
Anything relating to children’s information, be it health or education, is bound by government legal obligations e.g. New South Wales Government agencies, including New South Wales Schools, are subject to the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (NSW). The Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (NSW) protects the personal information of children in the child protection system.
The Professional Conduct for Teachers in New South Wales outlines the importance of respecting confidentiality.
The Australian Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics part 5.2.4 deals with information privacy/confidentiality.
Privacy for Indigenous-related information
Indigenous related information is also covered by confidentiality and privacy regulations.
- Oxfam Australia has produced Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural protocols.
- The Australian Society of Archivists produce toolkits and conduct events and workshops covering Indigenous Recordkeeping and Archives.
- The National Library of Australia and various Australian State Public Libraries hold and manage collections of Indigenous material.
