Essentially yours: the protection of human genetic information in Australia

ALRC Report 96 (tabled May 2003)  was the product of a two-year inquiry by the ALRC and the Australian Health Ethics Committee (AHEC) of the NHMRC, involving extensive research and widespread public consultation.The inquiry was the most comprehensive ever undertaken into these issues in Australia or overseas. The report covers an extensive range of activities in which genetic information plays—or soon will play—an important role. The two-volume, 1200 page report makes 144 recommendations about how Australia should deal with the ethical, legal and social implications of the New Genetics. This Report reflects the law as at 14 March 2003

Data Surveillance: Theory, Practice & Policy

Data surveillance is the systematic use of personal data systems in the investigation or monitoring of the actions or communications of one or more persons. This collection of papers was the basis for a supplication under Rule 28 of the ANU's Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Rules. The papers develop a body of theory that explains the nature, applications and impacts of the data processing technologies that support the investigation or monitoring of individuals and populations. Literature review and analysis is supplemented by reports of field work undertaken in both the United States and Australia, which tested the body of theory, and enabled it to be articulated. The research programme established a firm theoretical foundation for further work. It provided insights into appropriate research methods, and delivered not only empirically-based descriptive and explanatory data, but also evaluative information relevant to policy-decisions. The body of work as a whole provides a basis on which more mature research work is able to build

Facial Recognition and Privacy Rights

Biometric facial recognition is one of the most rapidly developing methods of biometric identification, with expanding applications across law enforcement, government and the private sector. Its capacity for integration with other technologies, such as closed circuit television (CCTV) and social media, differentiate it from DNA and fingerprint biometric identification. This chapter commences with a discussion of the technique of facial recognition and applications in identity verification, public surveillance, and the identification of unknown suspects. Its relative advantages and disadvantages, and the development of facial recognition around the world is explored. The discussion then examines how facial recognition databases developed from existing databases, such as driver’s licence photographs, can be integrated with CCTV systems, and most recently, with photographs from social media and the internet. The chapter then considers relevant ethical principles, including privacy, autonomy, security and public safety, and the implications for law and regulation in relation to facial recognition.</p

Attitudes and perceptions towards privacy and surveillance in Australia

Understanding attitudes towards privacy and surveillance technologies used to enhance security objectives is a complex, but crucial aspect for policy makers to consider. Historically, terrorism-related incidents justified the uptake of surveillance practices. More recently however, biosecurity concerns have motivated nation-states to adopt more intrusive surveillance measures. There is a growing body of literature that supports the public’s desire to maintain privacy despite fears of biological or physical threats. This research set out to explore attitudes towards privacy and surveillance in an Australian context. Throughout the course of this endeavour, the COVID-19 pandemic emerged bringing with it a variety of track and trace technologies, not seen before in our history. Furthermore, attitudinal research during this unprecedented time is unique and therefore, offered an opportunity to gain insight into attitudes across a spectrum of privacy- and surveillance-related concerns. In this vein, a national survey was undertaken throughout 2021 that explored privacy and surveillance attitudes in Australia encapsulating various aspects of pandemic surveillance. Various themes within the realm of privacy and surveillance research have emerged as influential elements shaping individual attitudes. These themes not only possess reflective and formative characteristics but also contribute to the establishment of several quantifiable constructs. The convergence of these themes and attitudinal attributes resulted in the development of a theoretical framework, the “Privacy Attitude Model”. This model is a product of comprehensive research into privacy, security, and surveillance, serving as the foundation of the survey instrument. It is expected that this model will be adaptable for future research, enriching the existing knowledge in this domain. The study discovered that the level of trust individuals place in institutions influences their apprehensions regarding surveillance. Those who possess higher levels of trust are generally more receptive to surveillance practices. However, there is noteworthy evidence indicating a decline in overall trust. As a result, it becomes imperative to undertake every possible measure to uphold public confidence. Amid these considerations, the concept of data sovereignty has emerged as a contentious topic. A substantial portion of survey respondents found it challenging to comprehend data management methodologies and express a strong preference for preventing the offshore transfer of their personal information. Furthermore, they desire increased control over their data. The vast majority of respondents expressed a strong desire to have the power to opt out of surveillance involving image capture. This desire is fundamentally rooted in the issue of consent