Privacy Awareness Week: Why it matters and why ADMA is a proud supporter

In an increasingly data-driven world, privacy is no longer a niche concern. Rather, it is a foundational right and a shared responsibility. From the way we communicate and connect online, to how we transact and establish behavioural patterns, our personal information is constantly monitored and collected. That’s why Privacy Awareness Week (PAW), running from Monday 16 June to Sunday 22 June 2025, is so important. With the theme ‘Privacy – it’s everyone’s business’, this annual initiative led by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) is a timely reminder that privacy isn't just a compliance checkbox. It is a commitment to trust and transparency.

Why Privacy Awareness Week is important for organisations

Privacy Awareness Week plays a critical role in educating organisations about the importance of safeguarding personal information. With cyber threats on the rise and data breaches making headlines, Australians are increasingly concerned about how their information is collected, stored, and used. 

PAW helps address privacy concerns by providing practical tools, resources and clear guidance to help organisations build a culture of privacy from the inside out. Whether it’s training staff, updating policies or tightening data governance, the week serves as a catalyst for organisations to assess their privacy position and take actionable steps to strengthen it.

Why privacy is everyone’s business

Gone are the days when privacy was just in the remit of IT teams or legal departments. Today, every stakeholder has a role to play, making privacy everyone’s business. This is particularly true for marketers who are on the frontline when it comes to consumer data. 

The way personal information is managed is critical. Mishandling it can erode customer trust, damage reputations, and even incur significant penalties under Australia’s privacy laws. Both consumers and the law expect brands to be transparent, ethical and responsible with their data. If businesses want customer loyalty, they need to earn it and that starts with privacy.

The PAW theme, ‘Privacy – it’s everyone’s business’, is a call to action for businesses to embed privacy into their operations, culture, and customer interactions. The theme also serves as a reminder to individuals that they have the right, and responsibility, to understand and control how their data is used as well.

Why ADMA is supporting Privacy Awareness Week

At ADMA, we champion best practice in responsible marketing, including privacy. Data-driven marketing is the foundation of our DNA and we believe brands that respect and protect customer data don't just meet regulatory standards, they outperform those that don’t.

Supporting PAW reinforces that we’re committed to helping our members navigate evolving privacy expectations and regulations. By signing up as a PAW supporter, we’re highlighting our belief that privacy is not just a legal requirement, but a business imperative.

Throughout Privacy Awareness Week, we’ll be sharing resources and amplifying the conversation around ethical data practices. When organisations get privacy right, they don’t just comply, they build trust and lead.

Privacy Awareness Week is your opportunity to demonstrate leadership and accountability. Whether you’re starting your privacy education journey from scratch, or due for a reboot, join us in making privacy a priority. A strong privacy culture isn’t just good practice, it is smart business.

Want to sharpen your privacy and compliance skills?
Check out our regulatory course offering with a range of options to suit your needs. From our online short courses to our more comprehensive Privacy and Compliance for Marketers course, ADMA has your regulatory upskilling needs sorted.