Privacy media releases

Today marks the first anniversary of the most significant changes to Australian privacy laws in over 25 years. On 12 March 2014, changes to the Privacy Act 1988 (Privacy Act) commenced.

Privacy enforcement authorities from around the world are calling on app marketplaces to make it mandatory for mobile app developers to post links to privacy policies prior to download if they’re going to collect personal information.

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) has been found in breach of the Privacy Act 1988, by failing to adequately protect the personal information of approximately 9,250 asylum seekers. They have also been found to have unlawfully disclosed personal information.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and the Australian Privacy Commissioner have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalise a streamlined approach to telecommunications, spam and telemarketing matters.

Clear, concise information about privacy practices builds customer trust and is good for business, according to privacy authorities that took part in this year’s global sweep of more than 1200 mobile apps.