Information Technology and Internet Issues

View printable version of this page

This part of the Privacy Commissioner's website looks at topical IT and Internet issues that may affect the privacy of individuals. Our aim is to promote awareness of these issues and to encourage public debate.

This Office has produced Guidelines for Federal and ACT government websites and Guidelines on workplace e-mail, web browsing and privacy available from the left hand menu. General information has been produced by this Office on how to protect your privacy on the Internet and tools available for doing so. Please check our left hand menu.

The development of information technology and the Internet has dramatically increased the quantity of information available in digital form. This has resulted in a proliferation of uses of personal information. Some of these have major implications for the privacy of individuals.

The inherent limitations of paper-based systems provide a certain level of privacy protection. The migration of records of personal information to IT systems has made possible a far greater range of uses of personal information and has made it easy to transfer information. The Internet makes it easy to solicit and collect information.

Other Information

For advice on internet safety issues for children see http://www.netalert.gov.au.

For advice on smart e-security practices including a self-assessment tool for small businesses to measure online security knowledge and practices and videos which show internet users how to protect their computer, stop intrusions and provide hints for smart behaviours to protect personal and financial information when online see http://www.staysmartonline.gov.au/