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All glossary terms

Privacy & data

Australian Privacy Act

The Australian Privacy Act is a federal Australian law that establishes a framework for handling personal information by covered organizations and agencies. It includes the Australian Privacy Principles and other provisions; its application depends on the facts and current law.

Also known as Privacy Act 1988.

Why it matters in practice

The Act is a central reference for organizations assessing privacy practices connected with Australia. Teams typically use it alongside internal data maps and qualified advice to understand how collection, use, disclosure, and security are addressed. This glossary offers a general identity only and does not summarize every exception or obligation.

Example

A privacy team maps a customer-data flow and asks counsel to assess how the flow relates to the Act before changing the product notice.

Educational note

This definition is general information, not legal advice. It may omit facts that matter to a specific situation and does not establish or guarantee compliance.