The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has released its Australian Community Attitudes to Privacy Survey 2020, revealing that privacy is a major concern for 70 per cent of the Australian community.
The Office said the survey also found that 87 per cent of Australians wanted to have more control and choice over the collection and use of their personal information.
It declared that the survey’s findings provided a comprehensive view of the population’s beliefs and concerns about the protection of their personal information.
Australian Information Commissioner and Privacy Commissioner, Angelene Falk said that understanding community views on the protection of personal data was critical in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated economic crisis.
“Privacy controls and practices that live up to community expectations will create the trust and confidence that is needed for the public to engage and make data-driven solutions a success,” Ms Falk said.
“Our survey shows data privacy is a significant concern for Australians, particularly as the digital environment and data practices evolve rapidly.
“The community sees identity theft and fraud, and data breaches and security, as the biggest privacy risks we face today.”
Ms Falk said the survey showed that 59 per cent of respondents had had a problem with how their data was used over the past year, including unwanted marketing communications, or information being collected when it was not required.
“Australians are increasingly questioning data practices where the purpose for collecting personal information is unclear,” Ms Falk said.
She said 81 per cent considered it a misuse for an organisation to ask for information that didn’t seem relevant.
“Privacy is the leading consideration when choosing an app or program to download, ahead of quality, convenience and price.”
She said the survey found that respondents trusted health service providers the most when it came to handling personal information, followed by the Government.
Social media was trusted least.
“Parents are more concerned about their children’s privacy than their own,” Ms Falk said, “with 82 per cent believing children must be empowered to use online services, but their data privacy must be protected.”
“The community wants more information and clearer privacy policies to help them manage their privacy, with 85 per cent having a clear understanding of why they should protect their personal information but 49 per cent saying they did not know how.”
The Commissioner said the report had clear signals for businesses collecting personal information about how to build consumer trust and confidence in their privacy and data handling practices.
The Commissioner’s 120-page report can be accessed at this PS News link.
