This part of the Privacy Commissioner's website provides answers to frequently asked questions about privacy. If you have a question that isn't covered here and you would like us to answer it, please send it to privacy@privacy.gov.au.

The frequently asked questions section covers the following areas: your privacy rights (for individuals); government;  business; small busines; and health.

About the FAQs

Responses to FAQs are based on the Office's understanding of how the Privacy Act works. The responses apply to the various privacy provisions and principles in a given situation and may help individuals, agencies, organisations and community groups in similar circumstances to reach a privacy solution.

Our responses to these questions are advisory only and not legally binding. You may need to seek separate legal advice on the application of the Privacy Act to your particular situation.

Nothing in an FAQ response limits the Privacy Commissioner's ability to investigate complaints under the Privacy Act or to apply the Information Privacy Principles or the National Privacy Principles in the way that seems most appropriate to the facts of the case being dealt with.

You may also wish to consult the Privacy Commissioner's guidelines and information sheets.