24 December 2001

"I am pleased to announce the release of Privacy and Public Key Infrastructure: Guidelines for Agencies using PKI to communicate or transact with individuals" said Malcolm Crompton, Federal Privacy Commissioner. "These guidelines will assist government agencies in addressing privacy issues when implementing Public Key Infrastructures", he said.

"We have worked with the National Office for the Information Economy and a range of community and agency stakeholders to develop these Guidelines", said Mr Crompton.

"I believe that in the right circumstances, this technology can be used to enhance government services and individual privacy" said Mr Crompton. He urged caution however, noting that in the wrong circumstances, Public Key technologies could compromise privacy.

"Greater provision for online services presents an exciting option for individuals in their dealings with government. This is particularly significant for regional and remote communities, as for example it would support online applications for a range of government services", said the Commissioner. "However, the Australian community needs to be confident that when they use these technologies in their dealings with Government, their privacy will be protected", he said.

"I encourage Government agencies to consult the guidelines when considering how and when they use PKI, and this includes ensuring that they allow their clients to continue to use other means of doing business with them when appropriate", said the Commissioner. He advised that "In eighteen months, I will be conducting a review to assess Agencies' use of the guidelines and the effectiveness of the guidelines. I will be taking into account developments in technology, and private sector usages of PKI over that time".

"Our Office welcomes this opportunity to contribute to making government services more available, more reliable, and in a way that respects privacy", said Mr Crompton.

Guidelines available or call the Privacy Hotline on 1300 363 992.