Make privacy a priority in 2021: joint statement by Privacy Authorities Australia

Privacy regulators from across Australia have issued a joint statement to mark the start of Privacy Awareness Week 2021 (3 to 9 May).

Privacy Awareness Week recognises the essential value of personal information: to our economy and digital environment, to the delivery of vital services, and in our daily lives.

Its importance has been highlighted through the COVID-19 pandemic, as the speed and success of public health responses depended on public confidence in the use of personal information.

As we strengthen our efforts to overcome the impacts of the pandemic, personal information will be a key factor in our recovery.

For Privacy Awareness Week, privacy authorities from around Australia are joining together to call on government agencies, business and the community to Make privacy a priority in 2021 and beyond.

In our increasingly connected world, securing personal information is critical to protecting privacy, maintaining data flows and preventing harm.

Organisations and agencies entrusted with personal information need to build in privacy protections to their systems and services from the ground up. A privacy-by-design approach means assessing privacy issues early and minimising risks from the outset.

Individuals must also play their part and take steps to protect their personal information, including securing accounts and devices and being aware of what and where they share.

As privacy authorities, we will continue to work together to uphold privacy protections and promote awareness of rights and responsibilities.

By prioritising privacy, we can all contribute to a stronger network of protections for information online and offline, and increase confidence in personal information handling.

Signed