Newspapers and digital publishers are being advised to acquaint themselves with changes to Australia's online privacy policy that come into effect next year.

Privacy parts

According to a report from the ABC, changes to the Privacy Act mean digital publishers will potentially face fines of up to $1 million for not fully disclosing how their collect and use personal data.

The new regulations have been drafted as publishers make the move online, and in doing so collect much more data about their readers' browsing habits and history. 

More access to data means more capacity for breaches and complaints.

Watch and wait

Under the new laws, digital publishers must declare the information they are asking from individuals, and how they plan to use it.

“With all that data out there, it is providing and introducing further concerns from the consumer, because they are creating this huge digital footprint that needs to be managed.

“And so, therefore, the onus on companies to be more open and more transparent about how they're managing the consumer's data,” explained David Wiadrowsk of PricewaterhouseCoopers, who released a report detailing the changes.

Ramifications 

While the new laws are aimed at traditional publishers like newspapers, the implications apply to almost every brand that collects information about their customers.

It means every business with an online presence should be aware of their obligations and potential risks.

To read the Privacy Act visit oaic.gov.au.

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