Protecting Information Rights – Advancing Information Policy

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We're now a part of the Office of the Information Commissioner. Go to www.oaic.gov.au to find out more.

Site Changes

On 1 November 2010 the Office of the Privacy Commissioner was integrated into the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC). An interim website for the OAIC is available at www.oaic.gov.au. This site (privacy.gov.au), which only contains information related to the OAIC's privacy function, will be maintained until a combined site is established.
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I am an individual researching my family history. Do I need to consider the Privacy Act in doing this?

Generally no.

The Privacy Act does not apply to you as an individual if you are putting together your own family history. As well, the Privacy Act does not cover the personal information of deceased people.

If you employ a genealogist to research your family history they may have obligations under the Privacy Act. In this case they should refer to the FAQ on genealogists.