This week is Privacy Awareness Week, and the Information Commissioner will be conducting training and activities about privacy across the Territory. 

“Privacy doesn’t mean the same thing it did twenty years ago,” said Information Commissioner Brenda Monaghan.  “We used to divide up spaces into public and private space.  Now smartphones and status updates mean very few spaces are guaranteed private.  Large organisations monitor your spending, which websites you visit, and track your movements via your smartphone.  ” 

“Privacy is even more relevant today, because the game has changed and the stakes are higher.” 

“There are many things you can do to protect your privacy,” Commissioner Monaghan said, “which is why the theme for Privacy Awareness Week 2016 is ‘Privacy in your Hands’.” 

Some things you can do to manage your privacy: 

• Use passphrases rather than passwords (eg. ‘IHave5LittleCats’ is easy to remember and complicated enough to be strong).
• Change passwords regularly, and use different passwords for different services.
• Opt out of buyer loyalty programs and refuse to provide your information to retailers unless it is necessary.
• Before posting on social media, ask: Would I want my boss to see this?  Would I want my kids to see this?  Would I want to see this on the front page of the paper?
• Turn off ‘location settings’ on your phone except for when you really need it.  This limits your phone company tracking your movements. 

“Of course, privacy is also about respect,” says Commissioner Monaghan.  “It is in your hands to treat other people’s private information with respect.  Consent is the key.  Ask before you share.” 

The Office of the Information Commissioner will be visiting middle-school students to talk about things they can do to protect their privacy, particularly online.  We have some fun activities planned for this week, and parents or teachers who would like to learn more can contact our Office on 1800 005 610 or visit our website www.infocomm.nt.gov.au.

Brenda Monaghan