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From 12 March 2013 content is no longer being added to, or amended, on this site, consequently some information may be out of date.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.

If I am running a business as a genealogist researching other people`s family histories, do I need to comply with the Privacy Act?

You may have obligations under the Privacy Act depending on the size of your business.

The Privacy Act has an exemption for some small businesses. Our Small Business page has a Checklist to help you work out whether or not you are covered by the Privacy Act. If your small business is covered by the Privacy Act the Guide to Privacy for Small Business will help you understand your obligations under the National Privacy Principles.

The Guidelines to the National Privacy Principles have more information, advice and compliance tips.

For genealogists it is important to note that the Privacy Act does not apply to personal information about deceased people.