17/9/03

"I am very pleased to see global agreement on a resolution to improve the communication of privacy information to individuals," said Australia's Federal Privacy Commissioner, Malcolm Crompton.

In Sydney, last Friday, the world's accredited Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners adopted a resolution setting out the basics of a condensed format for privacy information practices, during their 25th International Conference.

"This resolution aims to revolutionise consumer privacy choices in the same way food labelling informed consumer choice. This is a global initiative that will improve communication between consumers and organisations in the on and off line environments," said Mr Crompton.

In similar work in the USA, financial services regulators are working together to explore the development of simplified shorter privacy notices that consumers read, while at the same time meeting the requirements of existing law.

The resolution initiated by Australia, was developed over the last year by a working group of Commissioners. Other parties including Australian regulators and policy makers, for example, the Attorney-General's Department, Treasury, ACCC and NOIE were kept informed as the research and drafting of the resolution proceeded throughout the year.

Three other resolutions adopted by the Conference included:

• a call for the transfer of passenger's data internationally to be undertaken within a recognised data protection framework;
• a call to international organisations to observe and recognise privacy principles ; and
• a call to software companies to ensure processes for automatic software updates are transparent and that alternative update options are available.

List of the resolutions

"These resolutions are an important development in addressing the privacy challenges posed by the global village," said Mr Crompton.

"At a time of unrest and global challenges to the privacy and liberty of all of us it is heartening to see the world's commissioners working together towards achieving a safe and open society that respects privacy."

Background

The 25th International Conference of Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners was held in Sydney, 10-12 September 2003. Over 400 people from all over the world attended the Conference. They included privacy officers from some of the largest companies in the world, academics, consumer and privacy advocates and government officials.

Almost all of the world's accredited data protection and privacy commissioners were represented at the closed session of the Conference where the four resolutions were adopted. Details of the Conference, including a resolutions resources page are available @ www.privacyconference2003.org

List of the resolutions

• Resolution on improving the communication of data protection and privacy information practices
• Resolution concerning the Transfer of Passengers' Data
• Resolution on Data Protection and International Organisations
• Proposed Resolution on Automatic Software Updates