Playing By The Privacy Act Rules

Author: Ian Aldridge, Progressive Legal

Do you collect your customer’s names, addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth or bank account details (personal information)? If so, you may required under the Privacy Act 1988 to make your customers aware of what you are collecting.

If you do, you must also clearly explain how you will use their information. Breaching the Privacy Act may result in customer complaints which may lead to investigation by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner and potentially a fine.

What should you do?

Get a Privacy Policy that is tailored to your business (not one ripped off from a competitor!) – it will protect you and your customers.

• Avoid collecting more information from an individual than you actually need.
• Get an individual’s consent before sending them any of your marketing material. If you can’t to do this, make sure you give them the opportunity to opt-out. Remember to include your contact details so they can reach you.
• Don’t disclose someone’s personal information to another organisation without their permission.
• Have a complaints handling process in place so that you’re prepared if you do receive a privacy complaint.

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