OAIC launches Privacy Awareness Week campaign

The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has kicked off this year's Privacy Awareness Week campaign with the launch of a new website full of advice for helping consumers make privacy a priority.

The new site includes tips on how users can protect their accounts, be aware of how their data is collected and used and adjust their settings on social media to maximise their privacy.

The site also includes information on avoiding scams while shopping online, identifying phishing attempts, keeping email accounts sanitised of sensitive information, and protecting children's privacy online.

Australian Information Commissioner and Privacy Commissioner Angelene Falk said many Australians are unaware of the steps they can take to preserve their privacy online.

“We know that privacy is a major concern for most Australians, but our research also shows that half are unsure how to protect their personal information,” said Australian Information Commissioner and Privacy Commissioner Angelene Falk.

“For Privacy Awareness Week this year, our focus is on sharing helpful and effective tips to help everyone create good privacy practices, at home and at work.”

Falk said that as well as highlighting the options available for individuals to manage their privacy, the campaign is also centred on urging organisations to make privacy a top priority.

“We’re pleased to see more than 560 organisations are showing their support for Privacy Awareness Week and committing to promoting good privacy practice and advancing the privacy rights of individuals,” she said.

Thales ANZ Director Brian Grant said organisations need to take more accountability for privacy. “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and in the case of data privacy and security…humans will always make mistakes. That’s why education campaigns, such as the OAIC’s Privacy Week, are absolutely necessary in helping organisations and individuals understand the role they play in protecting our data,” he said.

“But we can’t only rely on such initiatives to solve the current privacy challenge. Organisations across Australia must take more proactive steps to weave privacy and security into their core training and processes to ensure the data they hold remains safe.”