Independent Review of the ADIA Privacy Code Commences

Privacy (Market and Social Research) Code 2021

In today’s data-driven tech and AI world, rising numbers of high-profile breaches and consumer mistrust highlight the need to protect Australians’ personal information. As technology rapidly evolves and new risks emerge, it is crucial to regularly review and strengthen our industry’s privacy safeguards.

Working under Australia’s only registered APP Privacy (Market and Social Research) Code brings strict compliance obligations and requires an independent review of the Code at least every five years (part G of the Code). To undertake this important project, ADIA has commissioned The Hon. Terry Aulich.

With a distinguished career spanning public service, industry leadership, and privacy advocacy, Aulich is recognised for his expertise in establishing and advancing industry standards and privacy protections. As a former Australian Senator, he chaired the influential Select Committee on the Australia Card, whose recommendations led to the creation of the Privacy Act and to key fraud-prevention measures, including the Tax File Number system and 100-point bank account verification.

Aulich has continued his commitment to privacy and standards through leadership roles, including as Chair of the Biometrics Institute’s Privacy Committee and as a delegate to the Australian Standards Organisation, contributing to international standards on biometric use and identity protection. His experience advising the corporate, government, and not-for-profit sectors underscores his ongoing dedication to upholding privacy best practices and industry standards.

Professor Peter Leonard, Chair of the ADIA Privacy Compliance Committee said: “Reviewing and considering updates to the Privacy Code is important to make sure our standards reflect evolving best practices and provide clear guidance to and guardrails for our members and thereby nurture public trust. This process helps ADIA and ADIA members to respond to new challenges and shows commitment to transparency, accountability, and strong ethics in market and social research. We look forward to working with Mr. Aulich and ADIA members to ensure that the Code fits our changing environment, protects Australians’ privacy, and includes their opinions to inform government and commercial research projects.”

The purpose of the review is to ensure that the ADIA Privacy Code meets its objectives and remains effective and relevant. Terms of Reference are here.

A member consultation opportunity to support and assist the development of the Code will be announced in due course.  

For more information please contact:

Sarah Campbell                                                                                               

CEO, ADIA                                                                                                                         

0460 012 092                                                                                                      

sarah@dataandinsights.com.au