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ARTICLE · 26 SEPTEMBER 2014

Privacy update for mobile apps

Holley Nethercote
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The OAIC has recently released its findings from the recent Global Privacy Enforcement Network (GPEN) Privacy Sweep.

AustraliaPrivacy
Katherine Temple
Katherine Temple
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The OAIC has released its findings from the recent Global Privacy Enforcement Network (GPEN) Privacy Sweep.

The results showed that many popular and successful apps were demonstrating good privacy practice. However, there were a number of concerns with the Australian apps reviewed. For example:

  • 67.9% failed to provide users with a privacy policy or terms and conditions in relation to privacy prior to the app being downloaded.
  • 22.6% did not appear to have privacy communications tailored for small screens.
  • 11.3% raised concerns about the nature of the permissions being sought.

Only 15% of the Australian apps reviewed provided a clear explanation of the collection, use and disclosure of personal information via the app.

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