Australian Privacy Foundation slams privacy amendments
The Australian Privacy Foundation (APF) has slammed the Federal Government's proposed amendments to privacy legislation as a “lost opportunity” in improving areas such as credit reporting practices and protection from data off-shoring.
APF board member Nigel Waters told a Senate inquiry late last week that the proposed bill would "significantly weaken" privacy protections for Australians.
The amendments would introduce a new set of privacy principles aimed at improving practices within both Government and the private sector, while providing the Privacy Commissioner with new powers, and the ability to fine companies up to $1.1 million for repeated breaches of the law. However, Waters criticised the proposed amendments for further complicating aspects of the privacy regime, stating the act would fail to meet current international best practice standards.
