Are you prepared for the March 2014 Privacy Act changes?
From 12 March 2014, there will be many changes to the Privacy Act.
Although this seems a while away, if the Privacy Act applies to your business, it’s a good idea to start preparing for the changes now.
What is changing?
A new set of privacy principles that covers the handling of personal information by businesses will be introduced.
The changes will affect how businesses can:
- • handle and process personal information
- • use personal information for direct marketing
- • disclose personal information to people overseas.
The Privacy Act changes will also give the Information Commissioner the ability to:
- • investigate serious breaches (including the right to impose penalties on businesses)
- • assess the privacy performance of businesses.
To comply with the Privacy Act from 12 March 2014, businesses will need to have a clear and up to date privacy policy that is easily available.
For details of all changes to the Privacy Act, visit the Privacy law reform page on the OAIC website.
For an introduction to privacy legislation, try the snapshot of the Privacy Act for small business or the guide to privacy for small business . © Commonwealth of Australia 2014.
If you need our help implementing these requirements, don’t hesitate to ask!
