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As Australia’s Privacy Awareness Week (PAW), running from June 16th to 22nd, approaches, the theme “Privacy: It's everyone's business” resonates deeply with us at National Crime Check. We understand that in an increasingly digital world, safeguarding personal information is not just a recommendation – it's a fundamental right and a shared responsibility.
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) spearheads this crucial annual initiative to highlight privacy rights, along with emerging issues and the vital role of good privacy practices. This year's theme underscores a powerful truth: protecting privacy isn't a minor issue confined to legal teams or IT departments. Instead, it requires collective vigilance and informed action from every individual and organisation.
Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checks (NCCHC) often involve the collection and processing of highly confidential details, including criminal history and digital identity solutions. It is crucial that organisations handle this information with the utmost care, transparency, and in compliance with all relevant privacy laws and regulations.
Why Is Privacy Awareness Important in the Context of Background Checks?
Protecting Individual Rights: The NCCHC process typically involve the collection of detailed personal histories. Robust privacy practices ensure that this information is handled ethically, lawfully, and with respect for individual privacy rights.
Mitigating Risks: Poor data handling can lead to unauthorised access, identity theft, and other serious consequences for individuals. For organisations, it can result in reputational damage and legal liabilities. Strong privacy awareness can help to mitigate these risks.
Building Trust and Confidence: When individuals know their personal information is being handled securely and responsibly, it fosters trust in the processes and the organisations involved. This is crucial for the integrity of national police checking services.
Your Role in Protecting Your Information During a Background Check
As an individual undergoing a NCCHC, understanding your privacy rights and the security measures in place is essential. You have the right to know:
What information is being collected: Be informed about the specific data required for the check.
How your information will be used: Understand the purpose of the check and who will have access to your data.
The security measures in place: Inquire about the safeguards implemented to protect your personal information from unauthorised access, use, or disclosure.
What Kind of Data is at Risk?
According to the Notifiable Data Breaches Report: January to June 2024, a significant portion of data breaches involved various kinds of personal information. While the report does not explicitly detail the types of personal information compromised in every breach, it's crucial to understand that any personal data, from contact details to more sensitive information, can be at risk. Notably, the report indicates that 67% of data breaches were a result of malicious or criminal attacks, underscoring the persistent threat landscape. Furthermore, 30% of breaches were attributed to human error, emphasising the importance of robust internal processes and training.
Protecting Your Privacy Is Our Priority
Privacy is not just a legal obligation; it's a fundamental right. We have built our processes and systems with robust security measures and a commitment to protecting the personal information of every individual who undergoes a check with us.
Our dedication to privacy is reflected in our comprehensive Privacy Policy, which is available in detail here. This policy outlines:
- The types of personal information we collect: We are transparent about the data we require for the purpose of conducting nationally coordinated criminal history checks.
- How we collect and use your information: Our processes are designed to be efficient and secure, using your data solely for the intended purpose.
- How we store and protect your information: We employ robust security measures to safeguard your data against unauthorised access, use, or disclosure.
- Your rights regarding your personal information: We empower individuals with control over their data, in accordance with relevant privacy laws.
This Privacy Awareness Week, understand your rights, implement best practices, and choose partners who prioritise the security and confidentiality of your information. For organisations conducting NCCHC, remember that choosing a provider with a strong commitment to privacy is paramount. It not only protects the individuals being screened but also safeguards your organisation's reputation and compliance.
At National Crime Check, we are committed to empowering you with the knowledge and assurance that your sensitive information is handled with the highest level of care and security. Take an active role in protecting your privacy because, ultimately, privacy is everyone's business. To discuss how our screening services can be applied effectively at your business, contact us here.