FROM THE COMMISSIONER

Carly Kind

Australian Privacy Commissioner

Privacy is an extremely important value to the Australian community. 

When it comes to the digital environment, most Australians want more power over their personal information. But in recent years, many of us have begun to feel that access to and use of our data is increasingly out of our control. 

The digital economy offers huge opportunities to individuals and businesses. The use of personal data to deliver services, connect individuals, and enable us to share and learn can deliver benefits to the private and public sectors. Data-driven technologies have the potential to improve the delivery of government services and strengthen public accountability.

However, too often these important public benefits come at the cost of our personal privacy.  Invasive data-gathering practices, poor security protocols, and unfair terms and conditions deprive individuals of their agency and put organisations at risk of data breaches and privacy complaints. New technologies expand collection and use of personal information without appropriately weighing the potential intrusions into individual and collective privacy, or providing adequate safeguards for data security. 

Promising advances and innovations need to be tempered with responsible practices. Strong privacy practices are good for everyone: for consumers, who feel more confident participating in the digital economy; for businesses, which can boldly innovate knowing that guardrails are in place to protect customers; and for government, which can realise the benefits of new technologies with the trust of its citizens.