Data Security Breach Notification Bill introduced to the Senate
Senator Natasha Stott Despoja recently presented the second reading speech for the Privacy (Data Security Breach Notification) Amendment Bill 2007. The Bill will amend the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) to require organisations and agencies to notify individuals where there has been a breach, or suspected breach, of data security involving their personal information. Senator Stott Despoja outlined the risks associated with inadequate data security, noting especially the plans to consolidate large amounts of sensitive information in the Government's Access Card project. Such plans to centralise databases present obvious targets for hackers and for others involved in identity theft-related crimes.
The Bill states that where an organisation or agency holds personal information, it must notify any person when there has been a confirmed or reasonably suspected breach of data security following the discovery of the breach. Such notification must occur promptly and without unnecessary delay. The agency or organisation must then co-operate with the individual to alleviate any potential harm.
Source - Blake Dawson Waldron Lawyers
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