On Thursday 6th May 2010 the Office of the Privacy Commissioner launched the Privacy Impact Assessment Guide (PIA) in conjunction with Privacy Awareness Week in Australia.On Thursday 6th May 2010 the Office of the Privacy Commissioner launched the Privacy Impact Assessment Guide (PIA) in conjunction with Privacy Awareness Week in Australia. The Guide provides both business and Government agencies with the tools and structure they need to ensure privacy is protected. Both eBay and PayPal were present at the launch in conjunction with government officials and dedicated privacy practitioners.

Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis said “Businesses should use the PIA Guide in the early stages of any project or product they are developing which involves the handling of personal information. The guide is easy-to-use, and includes a module specifically designed for the private sector”.

Privacy Awareness Week in Australia brings knowledge and understanding to the importance of privacy rights and responsibilities. This year’s theme Privacy: It’s in your hands aims to educate individuals and businesses on the use of innovative and sophisticated technology like smart phones and social media networking. These smarter communication tools allow data to instantaneously be shared around on open platform increasing risk of fraud and identity theft.

Privacy Commissioner - Karen Curtis, Daniel Petkovich - PayPal, Melanie Brocklehurst - eBay Inc, Adrian Christie – PayPal.

Senator the Hon Joe Ludwig MP, Special Minister for State, Melanie Brocklehurst Head of Government Relations, eBay Inc.