The Australian Information Commissioner and Privacy Commissioner Angelene Falk, has released her first report on the privacy protections in the COVIDSafe app.
Required to produce the reports every six months, Commissioner Falk (pictured) said it highlighted her Office’s proactive work to ensure the system’s strict privacy measures were upheld.
“My Office has worked to increase awareness and understanding of privacy protections and obligations related to COVIDSafe by developing guidance and providing advice to government, regulated entities and the community,” Commissioner Falk said
“We have also established a robust assessment program to audit the handling of personal information in the COVIDSafe system for compliance with the strict privacy protections the Australian Government put in place.”
She said her office had received 11 enquiries about COVIDSafe during the reporting period, seven raising general issues or concern and four related to a request to download or use the app.
“The privacy protections that accompany COVIDSafe are important outcomes for privacy in Australia,” Commissioner Falk said.
“My Office will continue to work to ensure that the protections are being applied so that Australians can be confident in the protection of their personal information within the COVIDSafe system.”
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner’s 22-page COVIDSafe Report May-November 2020 can be accessed at this PS News link.
