Site Changes

On 1 November 2010 the Office of the Privacy Commissioner was integrated into the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner and a new website established at www.oaic.gov.au.

Note 1: Major changes to the Privacy Act 1988 will come into effect in March 2014. Agencies, businesses and not for profits need to start preparing for these changes. For more information go to our privacy law reform page at www.oaic.gov.au
Note 2: From 12 March 2013 content is no longer being added to, or amended, on this site, consequently some information may be out of date. For new privacy content visit the www.oaic.gov.au website.

I am an individual researching my family history. Do I need to consider the Privacy Act in doing this?

Generally no.

The Privacy Act does not apply to you as an individual if you are putting together your own family history. As well, the Privacy Act does not cover the personal information of deceased people.

If you employ a genealogist to research your family history they may have obligations under the Privacy Act. In this case they should refer to the FAQ on genealogists.