Australian information commissioner approves AMSRO privacy code

The registration of the privacy code for market and social research follows a public consultation and independent review process led by Professor Peter Leonard, principal of data synergies and professor of practice (Schools of Management and Governance and IT Systems and Management) at UNSW Business School.

The code imposes additional requirements on top of the existing Australian privacy principles to protect confidentiality, prohibit selling of data and ensure that personal data is collected only with clear and informed consent. 

Angelene Falk, Australian information commissioner and privacy commissioner (pictured), said: “I support AMSRO’s work to ensure the code meets its objectives and remains effective and relevant.

“The changes, particularly around data breach reporting, will help ensure the protection of identifiable research information collected about Australians by AMSRO members.”

The privacy (market and social research) code 2021 is adjudicated by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) and administered by AMSRO. Only members of AMSRO can operate under the code.

Professor Leonard said: “In Australia and similar jurisdictions, we are seeing rising expectations of regulators and citizens as to quality and coverage of industry codes. Regulators now particularly focus upon processes and practices required to be implemented by code participants to adhere to a code, not just what code participants say that they will do.

“I consider that the new code reflects these rising expectations as to clarity of purpose and effect of industry code addressing important matters as how personal information about individuals must be protected by code participants, including active oversight and reporting by a code authority, transparency as to compliance, and consequences for non-compliance.”