Have you ever wondered about the privacy of information and the responsibilities the Privacy Act 1988 (Privacy Act) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APP) may place on your business?
You wouldn’t be alone if you have, especially given some high profile data breaches that have hit the media in recent memory (*ahem* Facebook). All these high profile data breaches have made many consumers think of how you use and store their personal information as a business.
The 2017 Australian Community Attitudes to Privacy Survey found that 94 per cent of Australians believe they should be told if a business loses their personal information.
(Source: OAIC website)
What you should do?
Before you perhaps have a sleepless night over this, head over to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) who offer a quick checklist to help determine if you do fall under the APP. Many small businesses (annual turnover of less than $3 million) will be exempt but you’ll need to satisfy yourself first just in case.
If after this you believe your business is governed by the Privacy Act and the APP (or you’re unsure), you should read more on the OAIC website and speak to a trusted business advisor such as your IT service provider. They can help discuss your options and strategies to deal with the collection, storage and possible data breach issues around your use of personal information.
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