AUSTRALIAN DATA AND INSIGHTS ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES PUBLIC CONSULTATION FOR PRIVACY CODE REVIEW

Code updates to include the rapid adoption of AI and privacy implications, children and youth privacy, and overseas sharing of personal information

The Australian Data and Insights Association (ADIA) today announced that public consultation is now open for the review of its Privacy (Market and Social Research) Code, as part of the mandatory five-yearly independent review of the industry-first code. 

Members of ADIA and the public are invited to give feedback on the Privacy Code, with their insights contributing to important code amendments.  

An independent review of the ADIA’s Privacy Code was announced in May, amid rapid technology and AI evolution, and the emergence of new risks to consumer data and privacy.

As the nation’s only Australian Privacy Principles’ registered industry code, the review is part of the ADIA’s compliance obligations to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC). The review seeks to make several updates to the code, particularly in relation to changes in technology and the rapid adoption of AI. It also seeks amendments to children and youth privacy, overseas sharing of personal information, enforcement, and an increase in ADIA member Privacy Officers’ responsibilities.

The ADIA has commissioned former Tasmanian Senator, the Hon. Terry Aulich, to undertake the review, to ensure the Privacy Code continues to meet its objectives and remains effective and relevant.

Aulich has had a distinguished career spanning public service, industry leadership and privacy advocacy. He is recognised for his expertise in establishing and advancing industry standards and privacy protections, particularly as the chair of the influential Select Committee on the Australia Card, whose recommendations led to the creation of the Privacy Act, and to key fraud-prevention measures, including the Tax File Number system and 100-point bank account verification.

Aulich has already completed a thorough examination of the ADIA’s Privacy Code, along with the association’s comprehensive privacy environment, noting the strength of the code and the ADIA’s work.

“For more than 20 years, ADIA members have complied with the industry Privacy Code,” he said.

“As the first and only registered code on the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner codes register, the ADIA should be commended for its outstanding commitment to best-in-class privacy. The ADIA Privacy Code continues to go beyond the standard legal requirements, establishing it as the model for systemic and sustained privacy policy and practice. The fact that the ADIA’s Privacy Code is the only industry code registered under the Privacy Act is testament to that.

“The code has held up well, but there are a number of social, technological, regulatory and compliance changes since 2021, which necessitates amendments to the code, particularly around AI, young people’s privacy and safety, and online attacks which could diminish consumer trust, and recent legislative change.”