The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has revealed that Government Agencies and other organisations are struggling with their obligations under the Privacy Act 1988 while combating the spread of COVID-19.
Recognising that Agencies faced “unprecedented challenges” the OAIC has prepared guidelines, both for Government and the private sector, to help keep workplaces safe while handling personal information appropriately as part of the COVID-19 response.
In a statement, the OAIC said its detailed advice should help regulated entities assess the privacy risks involved in changed working environments, as many organisations implemented or expanded remote working arrangements.
“Organisations and Agencies can also download a new step-by-step tool to help guide them through the Privacy Impact Assessment process,” the OAIC said.
Australian Information and Privacy Commissioner, Angelene Falk (pictured) also issued a statement about the privacy safeguards put in place to protect personal information collected through the COVIDSafe contact tracing app.
Ms Falk said the OAIC and State and Territory privacy regulators had convened a National COVID-19 Privacy Team to respond to personal information handling proposals with national implications.
“We’ve also joined with international regulators through the Global Privacy Assembly to issue a statement of support for public bodies and health practitioners to be able to communicate directly with people to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic,” Ms Falk said.
“We acknowledge that the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic may affect the ability of Agencies to meet statutory timeframes for processing freedom of information requests.”
She said the privacy team recommended Agencies consider a range of measures to help meet these obligations.
“We have also developed frequently-asked questions (FAQs) for applicants about access to information issues related to COVID-19.”
The OAIC’s full statement, with links, can be accessed at this PS News link.
