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ARTICLE · 01 DECEMBER 2022

With great data comes great responsibility: How government agencies can mitigate data breach risks

Holding Redlich
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After recent data breaches, government agencies should consider how they can protect their personal information.

AustraliaGovernment, Public Sector
Joanne Jary
Joanne Jary
Alexandra Hollings
Alexandra Hollings
Kayla Plunkett
Kayla Plunkett
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Government agencies collect and hold significant amounts of personal information, including home addresses; phone numbers; driver licence, Medicare and passport numbers; health records; photographs; criminal records; and credit card details.

While it is accepted that agencies may collect and hold this information, the public expects that the information they provide to government agencies will be protected from misuse by third parties.

Following the recent Optus and Medibank data breaches, information privacy and protection has become a fundamental issue for Queenslanders looking to maintain their personal information from corruption, compromise or loss.

As a result, government agencies should consider their personal information holdings and assess how they continue to collect, retain and dispose of personal information.

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This publication does not deal with every important topic or change in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you have found this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances please contact one of the named individuals listed.

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