Government considering tougher privacy laws

01 August 2011

Following the recent controversy surrounding allegations of phone hacking by News of the World in the UK, the Australian Minister for Privacy announced the Government will be considering a new right to privacy allowing individuals to directly sue organisations’ for a privacy breach.

Although, the announcement was made in response to the media hacking incident it was clear the Government was also concerned about other recent privacy breaches such as Sony Playstation and Epsilon.

The ability for an individual to sue a company for invasion of privacy would not only apply to the media but would also extend to companies holding personal information for marketing purposes. In ADMA’s view the current Australian privacy regime provides already significant protection for consumers should their information be disclosed in an unauthorised way.

ADMA has raised concerns that events on the other side of the world could have significant adverse consequences for our industry and is ensuring that our industry is properly represented on this important issue.

The Government will issue public issues paper in August to canvass opinion on the suggested new law. ADMA will be responding on behalf of ADMA members and will continue to closely monitor the issue.

Members are welcome to email regulatory.affairs@adma.com.au at any time with their views on this matter.