Fergie's Tech Blog

Australia: Private Data Is Up For Grabs

Seline Mitchell writes on Australian IT:

The national telecommunications watchdog is yet to protect a massive database containing personal information on every Australian with a phone number.

It is 2 1/2 years since the Australian Communications and Media Authority first raised concerns about misuse of the data.

An industry standard to restrict business use of the Integrated Public Number Database was expected to be in force by the second half of 2004, but it has been delayed.

Instead of releasing a final standard, as expected, ACMA will release a further draft that will then be subject to further public consultation.

ACMA confirmed the change of plan late last week. A spokesman said it was unclear when a standard would be in place.

posted by Fergie @ 4/17/2006 01:42:00 PM