Privacy Act (AU)
Privacy Act 1988 (Australia)
255 sections indexed, 16 with our notes. Our index and notes; the law itself is at its source: official text ↗ Our index of this law is not complete yet.
Part I Preliminary
Commencement
Objects of this Act
Saving of certain State and Territory laws
Application of the Criminal Code
Act to bind the Crown
Extension to external Territories
Extra-territorial operation of Act
Part II, Division 1 Interpretation: General definitions
Interpretation
Meaning of responsible person
Breach of an Australian Privacy Principle
Breach of a registered APP code
Breach of the registered CR code
Organisations
Small business and small business operators
What is the annual turnover of a business?
Small business operator treated as organisation
Small business operators choosing to be treated as organisations
State instrumentalities etc. treated as organisations
Meaning of health information
Meaning of health service
Part II, Division 2, Subdivision A Key definitions relating to credit reporting: Credit provider
Meaning of credit provider
Agents of credit providers
Securitisation arrangements etc
Acquisition of the rights of a credit provider
Part II, Division 2, Subdivision B Key definitions relating to credit reporting: Other definitions
Meaning of access seeker
Meaning of credit and amount of credit
Meaning of credit information
Meaning of credit reporting business
Meaning of default information
Meanings of financial hardship arrangement and financial hardship information
Meaning of information request
Meaning of new arrangement information
Meaning of payment information
Meaning of personal insolvency information
Meaning of repayment history information
Part II, Division 3 Other matters
Acts and practices of agencies, organisations etc
Acts of certain agencies treated as acts of organisation
Exempt acts and exempt practices of organisations
Political acts and practices are exempt
Acts and practices of, and disclosure of information to, staff of agency, organisation etc
Agencies that are taken to hold a record
File number recipients
Act not to apply in relation to State banking or insurance within that State
Severability—additional effect of this Act
Part III, Division 1 Information privacy: Interferences with privacy
Interferences with privacy
Related bodies corporate
Change in partnership because of change in partners
Overseas act required by foreign law
Effect of sections 13B, 13C and 13D
Act or practice not covered by section 13 is not an interference with privacy
Civil penalty provision for serious interference with privacy of an individual
Civil penalty provision for interference with privacy of individuals
Alternative orders
Civil penalty provision for which infringement notices or compliance notices can be issued
Part III, Division 2 Australian Privacy Principles
Australian Privacy Principles
APP entities must comply with Australian Privacy Principles
Personal, family or household affairs
Permitted general situations in relation to the collection, use or disclosure of personal information
Permitted health situations in relation to the collection, use or disclosure of health information
Acts and practices of overseas recipients of personal information
Part III, Division 4 Tax file number information
Rules relating to tax file number information
File number recipients to comply with rules
Part IIIA, Division 1 Credit reporting: Introduction
Guide to this Part
Part IIIA, Division 2, Subdivision A Credit reporting bodies: Introduction and application of this Division etc.
Guide to this Division
Application of this Division and the Australian Privacy Principles to credit reporting bodies
Part IIIA, Division 2, Subdivision B Consideration of information privacy
Open and transparent management of credit reporting information
Part IIIA, Division 2, Subdivision C Collection of credit information
Collection of solicited credit information
Dealing with unsolicited credit information
Part IIIA, Division 2, Subdivision D Dealing with credit reporting information etc.
Use or disclosure of credit reporting information
Permitted CRB disclosures in relation to individuals
Use or disclosure of credit reporting information for the purposes of direct marketing
Use or disclosure of pre-screening assessments
Destruction of pre-screening assessment
No use or disclosure of credit reporting information during a ban period
Adoption of government related identifiers
Use or disclosure of credit reporting information that is de-identified
Part IIIA, Division 2, Subdivision E Integrity of credit reporting information
Quality of credit reporting information
False or misleading credit reporting information
Security of credit reporting information
Part IIIA, Division 2, Subdivision F Access to, and correction of, information
Access to credit reporting information
Correction of credit reporting information
Individual may request the correction of credit information etc
Notice of correction etc. must be given
Part IIIA, Division 2, Subdivision G Dealing with credit reporting information after the retention period ends etc.
Destruction etc. of credit reporting information after the retention period ends
Retention period for credit information—general
Retention period for credit information—personal insolvency information
Destruction of credit reporting information in cases of fraud
Dealing with information if there is a pending correction request etc
Dealing with information if an Australian law etc. requires it to be retained
Part IIIA, Division 3, Subdivision A Credit providers: Introduction and application of this Division
Guide to this Division
Application of this Division to credit providers
Part IIIA, Division 3, Subdivision B Consideration of information privacy
Open and transparent management of credit information etc
Part IIIA, Division 3, Subdivision C Dealing with credit information
Additional notification requirements for the collection of personal information etc
Disclosure of credit information to a credit reporting body
Payment information must be disclosed to a credit reporting body
Financial hardship information must be disclosed
Limitation on the disclosure of credit information during a ban period
Part IIIA, Division 3, Subdivision D Dealing with credit eligibility information etc.
Use or disclosure of credit eligibility information
Permitted CP uses in relation to individuals
Permitted CP disclosures between credit providers
Permitted CP disclosures relating to guarantees etc
Permitted CP disclosures to mortgage insurers
Permitted CP disclosures to debt collectors
Permitted CP disclosures to other recipients
Disclosures to certain persons and bodies that do not have an Australian link
Notification of a refusal of an application for consumer credit
Part IIIA, Division 3, Subdivision E Integrity of credit information and credit eligibility information
Quality of credit eligibility information
False or misleading credit information or credit eligibility information
Security of credit eligibility information
Part IIIA, Division 3, Subdivision F Access to, and correction of, information
Access to credit eligibility information
Correction of credit information or credit eligibility information
Individual may request the correction of credit information etc
Notice of correction etc. must be given
Part IIIA, Division 4 Affected information recipients
Guide to this Division
Part IIIA, Division 4, Subdivision A Consideration of information privacy
Open and transparent management of regulated information
Part IIIA, Division 4, Subdivision B Dealing with regulated information
Additional notification requirements for affected information recipients
Use or disclosure of information by mortgage insurers or trade insurers
Use or disclosure of information by a related body corporate
Use or disclosure of information by credit managers etc
Use or disclosure of information by advisers etc
Part IIIA, Division 5 Complaints
Guide to this Division
Individual may complain about a breach of a provision of this Part etc
Dealing with complaints
Notification requirements relating to correction complaints
Part IIIA, Division 6 Unauthorised obtaining of credit reporting information etc.
Obtaining credit reporting information from a credit reporting body
Obtaining credit eligibility information from a credit provider
Part IIIA, Division 7 Court orders
Compensation orders
Other orders to compensate loss or damage
Part IIIA, Division 8 Review
Review of operation of this Part
Part IIIB, Division 1 Privacy codes: Introduction
Guide to this Part
Part IIIB, Division 2, Subdivision A Registered APP codes: Compliance with registered APP codes etc.
APP entities to comply with binding registered APP codes
What is a registered APP code
What is an APP code
Extension of Act to exempt acts or practices covered by registered APP codes
Part IIIB, Division 2, Subdivision B Development and registration of APP codes
Development of APP codes by APP code developers
Application for registration of APP codes
Development of APP codes by the Commissioner—following a request
Development of APP codes by the Commissioner—at the direction of the Minister
Development of APP codes by the Commissioner—temporary APP codes
Development of APP codes by the Commissioner—Children's Online Privacy Code
Commissioner may register APP codes
Part IIIB, Division 2, Subdivision C Variation and removal of registered APP codes
Variation of registered APP codes
Removal of registered APP codes
Part IIIB, Division 3, Subdivision A Registered CR code: Compliance with the registered CR code
Entities to comply with the registered CR code if bound by the code
What is the registered CR code
What is a CR code
Part IIIB, Division 3, Subdivision B Development and registration of CR code
Development of CR code by CR code developers
Application for registration of CR code
Development of CR code by the Commissioner
Commissioner may register CR code
Part IIIB, Division 3, Subdivision C Variation of the registered CR code
Variation of the registered CR code
Part IIIB, Division 4 General matters
Codes Register
Guidelines relating to codes
Review of operation of registered codes
Part IIIC, Division 1 Notification of eligible data breaches: Introduction
Guide to this Part
Entity
Deemed holding of information
Exception—notification under the My Health Records Act 2012
Part IIIC, Division 2 Eligible data breach
Eligible data breach
Exception—remedial action
Whether access or disclosure would be likely, or would not be likely, to result in serious harm—relevant matters
Part IIIC, Division 3, Subdivision A Notification of eligible data breaches: Suspected eligible data breaches
Assessment of suspected eligible data breach
Exception—eligible data breaches of other entities
Part IIIC, Division 3, Subdivision B General notification obligations
Statement about eligible data breach
Entity must notify eligible data breach
Exception—eligible data breaches of other entities
Exception—enforcement related activities
Exception—inconsistency with secrecy provisions
Exception—declaration by Commissioner
Part IIIC, Division 3, Subdivision C Commissioner may direct entity to notify eligible data breach
Commissioner may direct entity to notify eligible data breach
Exception—enforcement related activities
Exception—inconsistency with secrecy provisions
Part IIIC, Division 4 Commissioner's powers to obtain information or documents relating to eligible data breaches
Power to obtain information and documents relating to eligible data breaches
Part IIIC, Division 5, Subdivision A Dealing with personal information involved in eligible data breaches: Eligible data breach declaration
Eligible data breach declaration
When declarations cease to be in force
Part IIIC, Division 5, Subdivision B Provisions dealing with the collection, use and disclosure of personal information
Authorisation of collection, use and disclosure of personal information
Part IIIC, Division 5, Subdivision C Other matters
Disclosure of information—offence
Division not limited by secrecy provisions
Constitutional basis of this Division
Additional operation of this Division
Interaction with section 12B
Compensation for acquisition of property
Part V, Division 1A Investigations etc.: Introduction
Guide to this Part
Part V, Division 1 Investigation of complaints and investigations on the Commissioner's initiative
Complaints
Complaints relating to the data sharing scheme
Principal executive of agency
Conditions for making a representative complaint
Commissioner may determine that a complaint is not to continue as a representative complaint
Additional rules applying to the determination of representative complaints
Amendment of representative complaints
Class member for representative complaint not entitled to lodge individual complaint
Investigations
Conciliation of complaints
Commissioner may or must decide not to investigate etc. in certain circumstances
Preliminary inquiries
Conduct of investigations
Interested party may request a hearing
Power to obtain information and documents
Power to examine witnesses
Directions to persons to attend compulsory conference
Conduct of compulsory conference
Complainant and certain other persons to be informed of various matters
Investigation under section 40 to cease if certain offences may have been committed
Investigation under section 40 to cease if civil penalty provision under Personal Property Securities Act 2009 may have been contravened
Transfer of complaints from the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security
Reference of matters to other authorities
Substitution of respondent to complaint
Effect of investigation by Auditor-General
Part V, Division 2 Determinations following investigation of complaints
Determination of the Commissioner
Determination—requirement to notify conduct constituting interference with privacy of individual
Determination must identify the class members who are to be affected by the determination
Notice to be given to outsourcing agency
Substituting an agency for a contracted service provider
Part V, Division 3 Enforcement of determinations
Application of Division
Obligations of organisations and small business operators
Proceedings in the Federal Court or Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) to enforce a determination
Evidentiary certificate
Part V, Division 4 Review and enforcement of determinations involving Commonwealth agencies
Application of Division
Obligations of agencies
Obligations of principal executive of agency
Compensation and expenses
Enforcement of determination against an agency
Part V, Division 5 Miscellaneous
Legal assistance
Commissioner etc. not to be sued
Failure to attend etc. before Commissioner
Failure to give information etc
Protection from civil actions
Certain documents and information not required to be disclosed
Application of this Part to former organisations
Part VIB, Division 1AA Compliance and enforcement: Introduction
Simplified outline of this Part
Part VIB, Division 1AB Monitoring powers
Monitoring powers
Modifications of Part 2 of the Regulatory Powers Act
Part VIB, Division 1AC Investigation powers
Investigation powers
Modifications of Part 3 of the Regulatory Powers Act
Part VIB, Division 1 Civil penalties
Civil penalty provisions
Powers of court to make other orders
Part VIB, Division 1A Infringement notices
Infringement notices
Part VIB, Division 1B Compliance notices
Compliance notices
Review of compliance notices
Part VIB, Division 2 Enforceable undertakings
Enforceable undertakings
Part VIB, Division 3 Injunctions
Injunctions
Schedule 1, Part 1 Australian Privacy Principles: Consideration of personal information privacy
Australian Privacy Principle 1—open and transparent management of personal information
Australian Privacy Principle 2—anonymity and pseudonymity
Schedule 1, Part 2 Australian Privacy Principles: Collection of personal information
Australian Privacy Principle 3—collection of solicited personal information
Australian Privacy Principle 4—dealing with unsolicited personal information
Australian Privacy Principle 5—notification of the collection of personal information
Schedule 1, Part 3 Australian Privacy Principles: Dealing with personal information
Australian Privacy Principle 6—use or disclosure of personal information
Australian Privacy Principle 7—direct marketing
Australian Privacy Principle 8—cross-border disclosure of personal information
Australian Privacy Principle 9—adoption, use or disclosure of government related identifiers
Schedule 1, Part 4 Australian Privacy Principles: Integrity of personal information
Australian Privacy Principle 10—quality of personal information
Australian Privacy Principle 11—security of personal information
Schedule 1, Part 5 Australian Privacy Principles: Access to, and correction of, personal information
Australian Privacy Principle 12—access to personal information
Australian Privacy Principle 13—correction of personal information
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Start from the question. Pick a topic to see the sections of Privacy Act (AU) that deal with it, and how 39 laws compare on it.
Scope and definitions
In Privacy Act (AU)
- Section 1Short title
- Section 2Commencement
- Section 3AApplication of the Criminal Code
- Section 5BExtra-territorial operation of Act
Applies to organizations abroad with an Australian link, including carrying on business in Australia.
- Section 6Interpretation
- Section 6GMeaning of credit provider
- Section 6HAgents of credit providers
- Section 6JSecuritisation arrangements etc
- Section 6KAcquisition of the rights of a credit provider
- Section 7BExempt acts and exempt practices of organisations
- Section 7CPolitical acts and practices are exempt
- Section 20Guide to this Division
- Section 20AApplication of this Division and the Australian Privacy Principles to credit reporting bodies
- Section 21Guide to this Division
- Section 21AApplication of this Division to credit providers
- Section 21PNotification of a refusal of an application for consumer credit
- Section 26DExtension of Act to exempt acts or practices covered by registered APP codes
- Section 26FApplication for registration of APP codes
- Section 26QApplication for registration of CR code
- Section 54Application of Division
- Section 57Application of Division
- Section 70BApplication of this Part to former organisations
Reach abroad across 39 laws
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2 | Applies to organizations abroad with an Australian link, including carrying on business in Australia. |
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3 | Applies regardless of location if processing occurs in Brazil, targets goods or services to people in Brazil, or data was collected in Brazil. |
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3 | Covers Egyptians anywhere, non-Egyptians in Egypt, and non-Egyptians abroad where the data concerns Egyptians or residents and the act is also criminal there. |
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3 | Applies to controllers in Ghana, foreign controllers using equipment or processors in Ghana, and processing of information originating in Ghana. |
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3 | Applies inside Indonesia and to acts abroad with legal effect in Indonesia or on Indonesian citizens abroad. |
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3 | Applies to controllers and processors outside Kenya that process personal data of data subjects located in Kenya. |
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3 | Applies to controllers and processors outside Nigeria processing personal data of data subjects in Nigeria. |
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3 | Applies to processing in the Kingdom and to processing outside it of personal data of individuals residing in the Kingdom, by any means. |
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3 | Applies to any circumstances that have an effect in Switzerland, even if initiated abroad; some foreign controllers must appoint a Swiss representative. |
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3 | Applies to controllers and processors outside the UAE that process personal data of data subjects inside the State. |
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3 | Applies to anyone collecting or processing personal data in Uganda, and to anyone outside Uganda handling data relating to Ugandan citizens. |
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3 | Applies to foreign entities in Vietnam and to foreign entities directly processing data of Vietnamese citizens and residents in Vietnam. |
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2 | Applies to for-profit businesses doing business in California that meet revenue or data-volume thresholds, wherever located, for California residents' data. |
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2 | Applies to commercial activity with a real and substantial connection to Canada, and to interprovincial or international disclosures for consideration. |
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2 | Applies outside China when providing products or services to people in China or analyzing their behavior; foreign handlers need a local representative. |
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2 | Applies to foreign controllers offering goods or services to, or monitoring behavior of, residents of Ecuador; non-residents must appoint an agent in Ecuador. |
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2 | Applies to non-EU controllers offering goods or services to, or monitoring the behavior of, people in the EU. |
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2 | Applies to processing outside India connected with offering goods or services to data principals in India. |
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2 | Applies to foreign businesses handling personal information of people in Japan in connection with supplying goods or services to them. |
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2 | Applies to overseas agencies carrying on business in New Zealand, even without a place of business or commercial purpose. |
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2 | Covers non-established controllers that offer goods or services to, or profile, people in Peru; they must appoint a representative. |
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2 | Applies to processing outside the Philippines of citizens' or residents' data where the entity has a Philippine link (contract, branch, business, data collected there). |
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2 | Applies to enterprises collecting, holding, using or communicating personal information about people in Quebec in the course of business. |
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2 | Applies to organizations whether or not resident or with an office in Singapore, in practice when collecting, using or disclosing data in Singapore. |
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2 | No express territorial clause, but foreign controllers meeting Decree thresholds without a Korean address must designate a domestic agent; PIPC applies the Act to services targeting Koreans. |
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2 | Applies to controllers or processors abroad that offer goods or services to people in Thailand or monitor their behavior in Thailand. |
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2 | The law is silent on territory, but the Board requires foreign controllers processing data of people in Turkey to register in VERBIS through a local representative. |
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2 | Applies to non-UK controllers offering goods or services to, or monitoring behavior of, people in the UK. |
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2 | Applies to non-established controllers offering goods or services to, or analyzing behavior of, people in Uruguay, or using means located there. |
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1 | Applies to processing in Colombia and to foreign controllers or processors when Colombian law applies under international norms or treaties. |
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1 | Applies to controllers or processors incorporated in DIFC, and to processing in DIFC including through stable arrangements, wherever the controller sits. |
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1 | Applies to data users controlling data in or from Hong Kong; no express reach over foreign businesses targeting Hong Kong residents. |
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1 | No express extraterritorial clause; the PPA applies the law where processing has a material impact on Israelis, e.g. targeting the Israeli market or local servers. |
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1 | Applies to persons established in Malaysia, or using equipment in Malaysia other than for transit; foreign users must nominate a local representative. |
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1 | Law applies nationwide; the Regulation also reaches non-established controllers that use means located in Mexico (other than transit). |
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1 | Applies to responsible parties domiciled in South Africa, or not domiciled but using automated or non-automated means in the Republic. |
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1 | Applies to controllers active in Zimbabwe and to controllers not established there that use means located in Zimbabwe. |
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0 | No extraterritorial provision; applies to files and databases, public or private, in Argentina. |
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0 | No extraterritorial provision in the current text. |
Principles
In Privacy Act (AU)
- Section 6ABreach of an Australian Privacy Principle
- Section 14Australian Privacy Principles
- Section 15APP entities must comply with Australian Privacy Principles
- Section 20AApplication of this Division and the Australian Privacy Principles to credit reporting bodies
- Section 20BOpen and transparent management of credit reporting information
- Section 20NQuality of credit reporting information
- Section 21BOpen and transparent management of credit information etc
- Section 21QQuality of credit eligibility information
- Section 22AOpen and transparent management of regulated information
- APP 1Australian Privacy Principle 1—open and transparent management of personal information
- APP 2Australian Privacy Principle 2—anonymity and pseudonymity
- APP 3Australian Privacy Principle 3—collection of solicited personal information
- APP 4Australian Privacy Principle 4—dealing with unsolicited personal information
- APP 5Australian Privacy Principle 5—notification of the collection of personal information
- APP 6Australian Privacy Principle 6—use or disclosure of personal information
- APP 7Australian Privacy Principle 7—direct marketing
- APP 8Australian Privacy Principle 8—cross-border disclosure of personal information
- APP 9Australian Privacy Principle 9—adoption, use or disclosure of government related identifiers
- APP 10Australian Privacy Principle 10—quality of personal information
- APP 11Australian Privacy Principle 11—security of personal information
- APP 12Australian Privacy Principle 12—access to personal information
- APP 13Australian Privacy Principle 13—correction of personal information
We don't score this topic in the comparison. The sections on the left are the place to start.
Lawful basis and consent
In Privacy Act (AU)
- Section 6Interpretation
Consent may be express or implied.
- Section 26XBAuthorisation of collection, use and disclosure of personal information
- APP 3Australian Privacy Principle 3—collection of solicited personal information
No lawful-basis list; collection must be reasonably necessary, and secondary use needs consent, reasonable expectation or an exception.
- APP 6Australian Privacy Principle 6—use or disclosure of personal information
No lawful-basis list; collection must be reasonably necessary, and secondary use needs consent, reasonable expectation or an exception.
Lawful basis across 39 laws
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1 | No lawful-basis list; collection must be reasonably necessary, and secondary use needs consent, reasonable expectation or an exception. |
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3 | Processing is unlawful without consent, except listed cases such as public sources, state functions, basic listings, contracts and certain financial operations. No legitimate interests. |
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3 | Consent is the default basis, with limited statutory exceptions. |
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3 | Processing only when a law authorizes it or the holder expressly consents; narrow exceptions for public-source and certain internal data. No legitimate interests. |
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3 | Prior, express and informed authorization is required, with narrow exceptions (public authority requests, public data, medical emergencies, civil registry). No legitimate interests. |
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3 | Explicit consent is the default; other grounds are contract, legal obligation and exercising legal rights. No legitimate interests ground. |
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3 | Consent is the default basis; processing without consent only for listed 'legitimate uses' (s.7). No general legitimate interests ground. |
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3 | Informed consent is the main basis; the alternative is statutory authority. There is no legitimate-interests basis, and new purposes need new consent. |
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3 | Consent is the general rule; non-consent processing only where necessary for contract, legal obligation, vital interests, justice and similar listed grounds. |
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3 | Consent is the default basis; processing without consent only under listed exceptions (law, public sources, legal relationship, emergency, health care, court order). No legitimate interests. |
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3 | Consent is the default basis; exceptions listed in the Law (public entities, public sources, contracts, health, anonymized data). No legitimate interests. |
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3 | Consent is the default basis for use and communication, with listed exceptions. |
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3 | Processing without consent is prohibited except in listed cases (public interest, contract, legal obligation, public data and others); no legitimate interests ground. |
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3 | Prior consent is the default; exceptions cover law, national security, medical purposes, legal obligation and contracts. No legitimate interests ground. |
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3 | Consent is the default basis, with exceptions for public sources, state functions, limited listings, contracts and domestic use. No legitimate interests. |
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3 | Consent is the default basis; the Law adds listed exceptions such as contract performance, legal obligations and protecting legitimate rights. |
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2 | Consent or six other bases (contract/HR, legal duty, emergencies, news, public data, other laws); no legitimate interests. |
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1 | Ten legal bases including consent, legal obligation, contract, credit protection and legitimate interests. |
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1 | Multiple bases including consent, contract, legal obligation, vital interests and legitimate interests. |
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1 | Eight bases including consent, legal obligation, contract, vital interests, public interest and legitimate interest. |
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1 | Six lawful bases, including consent, contract, legal obligation, vital interests, public task and legitimate interests. |
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1 | Prior consent or listed grounds, including contract, legal obligation, and legitimate interests of the controller or a third party. |
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1 | No lawful-basis list; collection must be lawful, fair and for a purpose directly related to the data user's functions. |
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1 | Consent, contract, legal obligation, vital interests, public interest/authority, and legitimate interests. |
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1 | No list of lawful bases; purpose must be specified and notified, and consent is needed for use beyond purpose and for most third-party provision. |
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1 | Consent or listed necessity grounds, including legitimate interests unless unwarranted given harm to the data subject. |
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1 | No lawful-basis list; collection must be for a lawful purpose connected to the agency's functions and necessary for it. |
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1 | Consent or listed necessity grounds, including legitimate interests unless the data subject would not reasonably expect the processing. |
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1 | Multiple bases: consent, contract, legal obligation, vital interests, public order, public authority and legitimate interests. |
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1 | Consent plus other bases, including legitimate interests (since 2023 amendment) after a documented assessment; not for sensitive data. |
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1 | Consent, deemed consent, or exceptions in the First and Second Schedules, including a legitimate interests exception. |
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1 | Six lawful grounds including consent, contract, legal obligation, and legitimate interests of the responsible party or a third party. |
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1 | Consent, law, public duties, contract, vital interests, legitimate interests that clearly override data subject rights, and urgent public safety. |
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1 | No closed list of bases; processing must follow the principles, and breaches are justified by consent, an overriding private or public interest, or law. |
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1 | Consent or six other bases: research, vital interests, contract, public task, legitimate interests, and legal obligation. |
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1 | Explicit consent is the default, but processing without consent is allowed on listed grounds, including contract, legal obligation and legitimate interests. |
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1 | Six GDPR bases plus a new 'recognised legitimate interests' basis (Annex 1) needing no balancing test, in force 5 Feb 2026. |
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1 | Consent or listed grounds including legal obligation, vital interests, public interest and legitimate interests of the controller or third party. |
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0 | No lawful-basis requirement; notice at collection plus purpose limitation, with opt-out of sale/sharing. |
Sensitive data
In Privacy Act (AU)
- Section 6FAMeaning of health information
- Section 6FBMeaning of health service
- Section 16BPermitted health situations in relation to the collection, use or disclosure of health information
- Section 26WDException—notification under the My Health Records Act 2012
- APP 3Australian Privacy Principle 3—collection of solicited personal information
Sensitive information may be collected only with consent and where reasonably necessary, or under listed exceptions.
Sensitive data across 39 laws
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2 | Sensitive information may be collected only with consent and where reasonably necessary, or under listed exceptions. |
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3 | Processing sensitive data requires both written explicit consent and a licence from the Personal Data Protection Center. |
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2 | No one can be compelled to provide sensitive data; processing only for general interest authorized by law, or dissociated statistics or science. |
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2 | Sensitive data processed only with specific, highlighted consent or under listed exceptions. |
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2 | Sensitive data cannot be processed unless a law authorizes it, the holder consents, or it is needed to grant health benefits. |
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2 | Sensitive data needs a specific purpose, sufficient necessity, strict safeguards and separate consent. |
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2 | Processing sensitive data is prohibited except with explicit authorization or listed exceptions; no activity may be conditioned on providing it. |
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2 | Special categories may not be processed unless a listed condition, such as explicit consent, applies. |
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2 | Processing sensitive data is prohibited unless a listed exception applies, such as explicit consent. |
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2 | Special categories (health, biometrics, religion, etc.) are prohibited unless explicit consent or another listed exception applies. |
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2 | Special personal data (health, religion, ethnicity, sexual life and others) is prohibited unless consent or a listed exception applies. |
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2 | Special care-required information (race, creed, medical history, criminal record, etc.) needs prior consent to acquire and cannot be shared by opt-out. |
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2 | Sensitive personal data may be processed only on listed grounds; health data only by or under health professionals. |
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2 | Health, political, religious, offence and biometric data need explicit consent or a listed exception. |
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2 | Sensitive data needs express written consent (signature, e-signature or other authentication); databases of sensitive data need a legitimate, specific justification. |
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2 | Sensitive data (genetic, biometric, health, religion, politics, ethnicity, sex life, union membership) needs specific consent or a listed ground. |
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2 | Sensitive data, including biometric, genetic and neural data, requires written consent by signature or equivalent. |
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2 | Processing sensitive and privileged information is prohibited except for listed cases such as specific consent, legal authorization or medical emergencies. |
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2 | Sensitive data needs explicit consent or a listed basis; legitimate interests cannot be used; DPIA and DPO triggers apply. |
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2 | Special personal information is prohibited unless consent or a listed exception applies; the Regulator may authorize processing in the public interest. |
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2 | Sensitive data (beliefs, union, politics, health, sex life, etc.) may be processed only with separate consent or where law requires or permits. |
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2 | Sensitive data (incl. genetic, biometric, social assistance, criminal proceedings) needs express consent if relying on consent; disclosing it to third parties needs justification. |
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2 | Sensitive data (health, beliefs, criminal records, biometrics, genetics, etc.) requires explicit consent unless a listed exception applies. |
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2 | Processing special categories, including appearance, clothing and association membership, is prohibited unless an Art. 6(3) exception applies, such as explicit consent, law or employment obligations. Board-set measures are required. |
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2 | Special personal data (beliefs, politics, sexual life, financial, health) may be processed only under listed exceptions, such as freely given consent. |
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2 | Special categories prohibited unless explicit consent or listed condition applies; many conditions need an appropriate policy document. |
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2 | No one may be compelled to provide sensitive data; processing needs express written consent or legal authorization for general interest. |
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2 | Sensitive data list set by Government (now includes banking, credit, location and behavioral data); extra safeguards and notice required. |
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2 | Sensitive, genetic, biometric and health data require written consent or listed exceptions; some uses need Authority authorization. |
| |
1 | Sensitive personal information defined; consumers may limit its use to listed necessary purposes, with notice required. |
| |
1 | No special category; sensitivity drives the form of consent, generally express for sensitive information. |
| |
1 | 'Specific' data (health, biometric, genetic, criminal, child, financial) defined; mainly triggers DPIA and DPO duties rather than a ban. |
| |
1 | 'Information of special sensitivity' is broadly defined (incl. biometrics, location, financial data). It brings higher security levels, PPA notification above 100,000 people, DPO triggers and higher fines, but no ban. |
| |
1 | Sensitive information requires express consent for secondary uses and communication. |
| |
1 | Sensitive data is defined; no separate prohibition, but large-volume sensitive processing triggers DPO and DPIA duties. |
| |
0 | No special category of sensitive data. |
| |
0 | No separate sensitive data category; volume and sensitivity only factor into Significant Data Fiduciary designation. |
| |
0 | No special category in the Act; Biometric Processing Privacy Code 2025 regulates biometrics. |
| |
0 | No statutory special category; PDPC treats some data as sensitive when assessing security and penalties. |
Children
In Privacy Act (AU)
Children across 39 laws
| |
1 | No statutory age; OAIC guidance presumes capacity at 15. Children's Online Privacy Code (under 18) due by 10 Dec 2026. |
| |
3 | Under 12 needs specific parental consent; all minors under 18 must be processed in their best interest. |
| |
3 | Processing data of all minors under 18 is prohibited except public data, or with legal representative authorization respecting the child's best interests. |
| |
3 | Children's data is sensitive. Under 15 needs written guardian consent; for ages 15 to 18 the Center sets the consent mechanism. |
| |
3 | Age 18 (Children's Act). Data about a child under parental control is treated as special personal data. |
| |
3 | Child means under 18; verifiable parental consent required; no tracking, behavioral monitoring or targeted advertising directed at children. |
| |
3 | Processing children's data needs consent of parent or guardian; child means under 18 under Indonesian child law. |
| |
3 | Age 18. Processing requires parent or guardian consent and must serve the child's best interests; profiling children for direct marketing is barred. |
| |
3 | For data subjects under 18, a parent, guardian or person with parental responsibility acts and consents. |
| |
3 | Age 18 (Child's Rights Act). Parental or guardian consent with age verification; regulations pending for electronic services to children 13 and over. |
| |
3 | No fixed age in the PDPL; legal guardians act for persons lacking full legal capacity, including minors. |
| |
3 | Child means under 18. Processing children's information is prohibited unless a s.35 exception applies, such as consent of a competent person. |
| |
3 | Minors (under 20) need guardian consent unless they could act alone; under 10 always needs guardian consent. |
| |
3 | Age 18. Processing a child's data needs prior parental or guardian consent, unless required by law or for research or statistics. |
| |
3 | Age 18. Parents or guardians consent and exercise rights; controllers must verify consent and run regular DPIAs for children's data. |
| |
2 | Under 16: opt-in required to sell/share; under 13: parental authorization. Fines up to USD 7,988 for violations involving minors under 16. |
| |
2 | Under 14 requires parent or guardian consent and special handling rules; such data is sensitive. |
| |
2 | Adolescents 15 and over may consent; younger children need a legal representative; ages 12-15 exercise rights through a representative. |
| |
2 | Parental consent required for information society services offered to children under 16; Member States may lower the age to no less than 13. |
| |
2 | Minors 14 to 18 may consent if information is understandable; under 14 needs parental or guardian consent; reasonable age verification required. |
| |
2 | Information about a minor under 14 requires consent from the person with parental authority, unless clearly for the minor's benefit. |
| |
2 | Under 14: legal representative consent required and must be verified. |
| |
2 | Legal representative acts for children (under 16); child aged 7+ and representative must both consent for private-life data. |
| |
1 | No statutory age; the OPC considers children under 13 unable to give meaningful consent. |
| |
1 | No statutory age today; PPC Q&A treats roughly 12-15 as needing a guardian. Amendment sets under 16 for guardian consent once in force. |
| |
1 | No age threshold; collection must be fair and not unreasonably intrusive, particularly from children or young persons. |
| |
1 | PDPC guidance: children 13 to 17 may consent if notices are understandable; under 13 need parent or guardian consent. |
| |
1 | Age of consent for information society services is 13; online services likely accessed by children must consider children's higher protection in design. |
| |
0 | No child-specific rule or age threshold in the Act; general capacity rules of the Civil and Commercial Code apply. |
| |
0 | No child-specific rule or age threshold in the current text. |
| |
0 | No children's consent age; minors are excluded from certain automated-decision exceptions. |
| |
0 | No age threshold or children-specific consent rule. |
| |
0 | No age threshold in the PPL; minors under 18 lack full legal capacity, so parental consent is generally needed. |
| |
0 | No child-specific rule or age threshold; minors act through representatives under the Federal Civil Code (minority ends at 18). |
| |
0 | No child-specific rule or age threshold in the Act; age is listed as sensitive personal information. |
| |
0 | No fixed age; a minor can consent if they have capacity of judgment, assessed case by case. |
| |
0 | No specific rule; under-18s are minors under the Civil Code, so a parent or guardian generally gives consent. |
| |
0 | No age threshold or child-specific rule in the Decree-Law. |
| |
0 | No child-specific rule or age threshold in the Law; minors' data listed among vulnerable groups triggering a DPIA. |
People's rights
In Privacy Act (AU)
- Section 6KAcquisition of the rights of a credit provider
- Section 6LMeaning of access seeker
- Section 20RAccess to credit reporting information
- Section 20SCorrection of credit reporting information
- Section 20TIndividual may request the correction of credit information etc
- Section 20UNotice of correction etc. must be given
- Section 20ZDealing with information if there is a pending correction request etc
- Section 21TAccess to credit eligibility information
- Section 21UCorrection of credit information or credit eligibility information
- Section 21VIndividual may request the correction of credit information etc
- Section 21WNotice of correction etc. must be given
- Section 23CNotification requirements relating to correction complaints
- Section 26WGWhether access or disclosure would be likely, or would not be likely, to result in serious harm—relevant matters
- APP 12Australian Privacy Principle 12—access to personal information
Access and correction; no statutory erasure, portability or objection rights (direct marketing opt-out aside).
- APP 13Australian Privacy Principle 13—correction of personal information
Access and correction; no statutory erasure, portability or objection rights (direct marketing opt-out aside).
Rights across 39 laws
| |
1 | Access and correction; no statutory erasure, portability or objection rights (direct marketing opt-out aside). |
| |
3 | Confirmation, access, correction, anonymization/blocking/deletion, portability, consent revocation, objection and review of automated decisions. |
| |
3 | Know/access, delete, correct, portability, opt-out of sale/sharing, limit sensitive data, and ADMT opt-out and access rights. |
| |
3 | Know and decide, restrict or refuse, access and copy, portability, correction, deletion, explanation and refusal of solely automated decisions. |
| |
3 | Withdraw consent, access, rectification, erasure, objection (incl. direct marketing), restriction, portability and automated-decision rights. |
| |
3 | Information, access, rectification, deletion, objection, portability, suspension of processing, and not to be subject to solely automated decisions. |
| |
3 | Access, rectification, erasure, restriction, portability, objection and rights on solely automated decisions. |
| |
3 | Information, correction, access, erasure, withdrawal, objection to automated decisions, restriction/suspension, portability and compensation. |
| |
3 | Information, access, objection, correction, deletion, restriction, portability, and the right not to be subject to solely automated decisions. |
| |
3 | Access, copy, rectification, erasure, restriction, portability, objection (absolute for direct marketing) and safeguards against solely automated decisions. |
| |
3 | Information, access, portability, rectification, cancellation, opposition, and objective treatment (no solely automated decisions with significant effects). |
| |
3 | Access, rectification, portability, de-indexing or cessation of dissemination, consent withdrawal, and information on automated decisions. |
| |
3 | Access, correction, deletion, objection (including direct marketing), protection from solely automated decisions, and restriction in limited cases. |
| |
3 | Access, portability (transmission), correction, erasure, suspension of processing, and the right to object to or seek explanation of automated decisions. |
| |
3 | Access, rectification, deletion, restriction/prohibition of processing, objection, data portability, and a right to be heard on automated individual decisions. |
| |
3 | Access, portability, objection, erasure, restriction and rectification. |
| |
3 | Information and access, portability, correction and erasure, restriction, objection (incl. direct marketing) and rights against automated decisions. |
| |
3 | Access, rectification, erasure, restriction, portability, objection, and safeguards on significant automated decisions, plus a right to complain to the controller. |
| |
2 | Access, rectification, updating and suppression; removal or blocking of marketing data at any time. |
| |
2 | Information (access), modification, deletion and blocking; opposition to use for advertising, market research or surveys. |
| |
2 | Know, update and correct data; proof of authorization; information on use; complain to SIC; revoke authorization or request deletion. |
| |
2 | Know and access data, withdraw consent, correct and erase, restrict processing, object, and be told of breaches. |
| |
2 | Access, correction and deletion, the right to prevent processing, direct marketing opt-out, and rights against solely automated decisions. |
| |
2 | Access, correction or deletion of inaccurate data, deletion from direct-mail databases (opt-out), and erasure for EEA-origin data. |
| |
2 | Disclosure (access), correction/deletion, cessation of use or erasure, cessation of third-party provision, and disclosure of third-party provision records. |
| |
2 | Access, correction, withdrawal of consent, prevent damaging processing, stop direct marketing and data portability. |
| |
2 | ARCO rights: access, rectification, cancellation and opposition, including objection to automated processing with significant effects. No portability right. |
| |
2 | Right to be informed, access, rectification, erasure or blocking, objection (incl. direct marketing), portability and damages. |
| |
2 | Rights to be informed, access and copy, correction, restriction and destruction; no portability right. |
| |
2 | Learn whether data is processed and get information (access), rectification, erasure, notice to third-party recipients, objection to solely automated outcomes, and compensation. |
| |
2 | Access, correction and deletion, objection to damaging processing, direct marketing opt-out, and rights against solely automated decisions. |
| |
2 | Access, rectification, updating, inclusion, suppression; challenge automated decisions; removal or blocking of marketing data. |
| |
2 | Be informed, consent and withdraw, access, correction, deletion, restriction, objection, complaint and lawsuit. |
| |
2 | Information, access, objection, correction and deletion of false data, and protection from solely automated decisions. |
| |
1 | Access, correction, and withdrawal of consent; no statutory deletion, portability or automated-decision rights. |
| |
1 | Access and correction only. |
| |
1 | Access to information, correction, completion, updating and erasure, grievance redressal and nomination. No portability, objection or automated-decision rights. |
| |
1 | Access and correction only. |
| |
1 | Access and correction; data portability enacted but not yet in force; right to withdraw consent. |
Direct marketing
In Privacy Act (AU)
- Section 20DDealing with unsolicited credit information
- Section 20GUse or disclosure of credit reporting information for the purposes of direct marketing
- APP 4Australian Privacy Principle 4—dealing with unsolicited personal information
- APP 7Australian Privacy Principle 7—direct marketing
APP 7 requires opt-out; Spam Act 2003 requires opt-in consent for commercial electronic messages.
Marketing across 39 laws
| |
2 | APP 7 requires opt-out; Spam Act 2003 requires opt-in consent for commercial electronic messages. |
| |
3 | Any marketing use needs prior, express, informed authorization for that purpose; holders may revoke at any time. |
| |
3 | Direct marketing requires the data subject's prior written consent, and data subjects may later require it to stop. |
| |
3 | Consent (incl. 'no objection') required before using or providing personal data for any direct marketing; oral consent confirmed in writing within 14 days. |
| |
3 | Commercial use, including direct marketing, requires express consent; messages must carry a simple opt-out, and objection is absolute. |
| |
3 | Consent is required for any direct marketing; objection to direct marketing is absolute. |
| |
3 | Consent for marketing must be obtained directly; one first contact allowed to seek it, no further contact if refused; opt-outs handled within 10 days. |
| |
3 | Consent required before sending advertising or using personal data for direct marketing; easy opt-out required; no existing-customer exception confirmed. |
| |
2 | Automated-decision marketing must offer a non-personalized option or easy refusal; marketing otherwise needs consent. |
| |
2 | Electronic direct marketing requires prior consent, a clear opt-out and a Center licence; consent records kept three years. |
| |
2 | Absolute right to object to direct marketing; prior consent required for electronic marketing under the ePrivacy Directive, with a customer soft opt-in. |
| |
2 | Prior written or electronic opt-in for commercial electronic messages, with a narrow existing-customer exception; the PPL also gives an absolute right to opt out of direct mail. |
| |
2 | Marketing email requires prior opt-in consent under the Act on Regulation of Transmission of Specified Electronic Mail. |
| |
2 | Commercial electronic messages require consent under the Unsolicited Electronic Messages Act 2007. |
| |
2 | Electronic direct marketing requires prior opt-in consent, which may be requested only once; existing customers may receive similar offers with an opt-out. |
| |
2 | Electronic advertising requires the recipient's prior explicit opt-in consent. |
| |
2 | Opt-in for automated mass advertising (email, SMS), except to existing customers for similar products with an opt-out offered. |
| |
2 | Commercial electronic messages need prior opt-in consent recorded in the national IYS system; opt-outs must be honored within 3 business days. |
| |
2 | Prior consent needed for electronic marketing, with soft opt-in for existing customers (extended to charities by DUAA); absolute right to object. |
| |
2 | Consent required for behavioral and targeted advertising, with an opt-out mechanism, plus anti-spam rules. |
| |
1 | Marketing may use data from public sources or provided by the holder; holders may demand removal or blocking at any time (opt-out). |
| |
1 | No specific marketing rule; requires a legal basis, and data subjects may object or revoke consent. |
| |
1 | Right to opt out of selling or sharing data for cross-context behavioral advertising; email marketing governed by federal CAN-SPAM. |
| |
1 | Opt-out consent can suffice for non-sensitive secondary marketing uses; commercial electronic messages need opt-in under CASL. |
| |
1 | Holders may object to use of their data for advertising, market research or opinion surveys (opt-out). |
| |
1 | Inform subjects before first disclosure for marketing and honor the right to object at any time, offered by the first communication. |
| |
1 | Data subjects may object at any time to direct marketing, including related profiling. |
| |
1 | Data subjects may require a controller, by written notice, to stop or not begin processing for direct marketing. |
| |
1 | Marketing is a secondary purpose disclosed in the privacy notice; data subjects can object or opt out. |
| |
1 | Data subjects have a right to object to direct marketing; processing must stop on objection. |
| |
1 | Prospection must identify the enterprise and inform individuals of their right to withdraw consent; electronic messages need CASL opt-in. |
| |
1 | Check the Do Not Call Register before marketing calls or texts unless clear consent; marketing use of data also needs consent. |
| |
1 | Data subjects may object to direct marketing at any time; no PDPA-specific opt-in for electronic marketing. |
| |
1 | Data subjects may object to processing for direct marketing, including related profiling. |
| |
1 | Data subjects may require a controller to stop direct marketing processing; the controller must respond within 14 days. |
| |
1 | Marketing profiles only from public sources, data provided by the holder or with consent; holder may request removal or blocking at any time. |
| |
1 | Data subjects may object free of charge to processing for direct marketing; no opt-in rule. |
| |
0 | No specific direct marketing rule; marketing requires consent like other processing; targeted ads to children banned. |
| |
0 | Not addressed specifically; marketing needs a lawful basis and consent can be withdrawn. |
Privacy officer
In Privacy Act (AU)
- APP 1Australian Privacy Principle 1—open and transparent management of personal information
Not required for organizations; Australian Government agencies must appoint a privacy officer under the Agencies Code.
DPO required across 39 laws
| |
1 | Not required for organizations; Australian Government agencies must appoint a privacy officer under the Agencies Code. |
| |
3 | Every organization must designate an individual accountable for compliance. |
| |
3 | Every controller and processor must designate a person or area to assume the data protection function and handle requests. |
| |
3 | Every legal-entity controller and processor must appoint a qualified employee as DPO and register them with the Center. |
| |
3 | Every controller must designate a person or data protection department to handle ARCO requests and promote data protection internally. |
| |
3 | Every agency must appoint one or more privacy officers. |
| |
3 | Every personal information controller and processor must designate a DPO or accountable individual, and register one DPO. |
| |
3 | The person with highest authority in every enterprise is by default the person in charge of personal information protection; may delegate in writing. |
| |
3 | Every organization must designate one or more individuals responsible for PDPA compliance and publish business contact information. |
| |
3 | Every public and private body has an Information Officer (the head by default), who must be registered with the Regulator before taking up duties. |
| |
3 | Every controller must designate a chief privacy officer; small businesses default to the owner or representative. |
| |
3 | The head of every institution covered by the Act must designate a data protection officer. |
| |
3 | Every data controller must appoint a DPO and notify POTRAZ on Form DP2. |
| |
2 | Controllers must appoint an encarregado; ANPD may exempt small processing agents. |
| |
2 | Statute lets controllers appoint a certified data protection supervisor; DPC guidance requires medium and large controllers to appoint one. |
| |
2 | Data controllers and processors of major importance must designate a DPO; low thresholds (over 200 data subjects in six months) capture many firms. |
| |
2 | Must appoint qualified data protection personnel or department, or hire a service provider. |
| |
1 | Handlers processing personal information above the volume set by the CAC must appoint a personal information protection officer. |
| |
1 | DPO required for DIFC Bodies and for controllers or processors performing high-risk processing on a systematic or regular basis. |
| |
1 | DPO required for public-sector processing, large-scale systematic monitoring and large-scale processing of special categories. |
| |
1 | DPO required for public bodies, large-scale systematic monitoring, or large-scale special-category or criminal data processing. |
| |
1 | Only Significant Data Fiduciaries notified by the government must appoint a DPO; others publish contact of a DPO or responsible person. |
| |
1 | DPO required for public-service processing, large-scale systematic monitoring, or large-scale specific/criminal data; any one trigger suffices. |
| |
1 | Required for public bodies, data brokers and direct mailers above 10,000 people, and entities whose core activity is systematic monitoring or large-scale special-sensitivity data. |
| |
1 | Controllers and processors may appoint a DPO for public or private bodies, systematic monitoring, or sensitive data processing. |
| |
1 | Controllers and processors must appoint a DPO when processing data of over 20,000 subjects, sensitive data of over 10,000, or systematic monitoring. |
| |
1 | Data protection officer required for public entities, large-scale or sensitive processing, and core sensitive-data activities; phased in by company size through Nov 2028. |
| |
1 | DPO required for public entities processing at large scale, and where core activities involve systematic monitoring or sensitive data. |
| |
1 | Optional for private controllers; federal bodies must appoint a data protection advisor. |
| |
1 | DPO required for public authorities, large-scale regular monitoring, or core activities involving sensitive data. |
| |
1 | DPO required for high-risk processing, systematic assessment of sensitive data including profiling, or large-volume sensitive data. |
| |
1 | DPO required for public authorities, large-scale systematic monitoring, or large-scale special-category or criminal data processing. |
| |
1 | DPO required for public bodies, majority state-owned entities, private entities whose core business is sensitive data, and those processing data of over 35,000 people. |
| |
0 | No DPO requirement; executive accountable for risk-assessment attestations and cybersecurity audit certification. |
| |
0 | No DPO requirement. |
| |
0 | No DPO requirement; controllers must take necessary security control measures, including organizational measures. |
| |
0 | No DPO requirement; registered controllers must appoint a contact person for the Authority and data subjects. |
| |
– | Not addressed |
| |
– | Not addressed |
Registration and licensing
In Privacy Act (AU)
- Section 6BBreach of a registered APP code
- Section 6BABreach of the registered CR code
- Section 26AAPP entities to comply with binding registered APP codes
- Section 26BWhat is a registered APP code
- Section 26CWhat is an APP code
- Section 26DExtension of Act to exempt acts or practices covered by registered APP codes
- Section 26FApplication for registration of APP codes
- Section 26HCommissioner may register APP codes
- Section 26JVariation of registered APP codes
- Section 26KRemoval of registered APP codes
- Section 26LEntities to comply with the registered CR code if bound by the code
- Section 26MWhat is the registered CR code
- Section 26NWhat is a CR code
- Section 26PDevelopment of CR code by CR code developers
- Section 26QApplication for registration of CR code
- Section 26RDevelopment of CR code by the Commissioner
- Section 26SCommissioner may register CR code
- Section 26TVariation of the registered CR code
- Section 26UCodes Register
- Section 26WReview of operation of registered codes
Registration across 39 laws
| |
0 | No registration of organizations. |
| |
3 | Controllers and processors need Center licences with fees capped at EGP 2 million, plus permits for transfers, marketing and CCTV. |
| |
3 | Every data controller must register with the Commission, pay a fee and renew every two years; processing unregistered is an offense. |
| |
3 | Controllers and processors must register, pay tiered fees (KES 4,000-40,000) and renew every 24 months; small entities exempt unless in listed sectors. |
| |
3 | All collectors, processors and controllers must register with the PDPO, renew annually and pay fees (UGX 100,000 reported). |
| |
3 | Controllers processing data of 50 or more people need a POTRAZ licence, tiered USD 50-2,500, renewed every 12 months. |
| |
2 | Public databases and private databases that go beyond exclusively personal use must register with the AAIP registry. |
| |
2 | Controllers and processors must register by filing a notification of processing with the Commissioner, kept up to date, with fees. |
| |
2 | Controllers must register with and keep updated the National Personal Data Protection Registry. |
| |
2 | Prescribed classes of controllers (banking, insurance, health, telecoms, education, real estate and others) must register and renew certificates with fees. |
| |
2 | Controllers and processors of major importance must register, with fees of N10,000-250,000 by tier; ordinary-tier entities renew annually. |
| |
2 | Creation, modification and cancellation of personal data banks must be registered (free, automatic approval) with the National Registry. |
| |
2 | Register processing systems and DPO if 250+ employees, sensitive data of 1,000+ individuals, or risky processing; renew annually. |
| |
2 | Controllers must register in VERBIS before processing, unless exempt (under 50 employees and under TRY 100m balance sheet, or under 10 and TRY 10m if mainly sensitive data). |
| |
2 | Most controllers must pay an annual data protection fee to the ICO unless exempt. |
| |
2 | All public and private databases, other than purely personal ones, must be registered with the URCDP, including foreign controllers in scope. |
| |
1 | No general registration; data brokers must register annually with the CPPA under the Delete Act. |
| |
1 | Companies and non-profits above an asset threshold (and public entities) must register databases in the SIC's National Database Registry (RNBD) and update annually. |
| |
1 | No PDP Law registration; electronic system operators register with the ministry under GR 71/2019. |
| |
1 | Registration only for public-body databases and databases of 10,000+ people mainly used to transfer data for payment; notify the PPA of special-sensitivity databases above 100,000 people. |
| |
1 | No general registration; businesses using the opt-out route for third-party provision must notify the PPC in advance. |
| |
1 | National Register of Controllers applies to public entities, controllers whose main activity is processing, sensitive-data processors and some individuals; no fees seen. |
| |
1 | No general controller registration. Information Officers must be registered; prior authorization needed for listed processing such as credit reporting. |
| |
1 | Public institutions must register personal information files with the PIPC; no registration for private controllers. |
| |
1 | No registration for private controllers; federal bodies must report their processing activities to the FDPIC. |
| |
1 | No controller registration; impact assessment dossiers are filed with the Ministry of Public Security instead. |
| |
0 | No registration for private controllers; the Civil Registry keeps a registry of public bodies' databases. |
| |
0 | No general controller registration; foreign handlers report their China representative to regulators. |
| |
0 | No general registration; controllers communicate DPO contact details to the supervisory authority. |
| |
0 | Data user return scheme exists but has not been activated for any class of data user. |
| |
0 | No general controller registration. Only Consent Managers must register with the Data Protection Board. |
| |
0 | No registration or notification of databases with the regulator. |
| |
0 | No registration. |
| |
0 | No controller registration. |
| |
0 | No registration of controllers. |
| |
0 | No controller registration or licensing. |
| |
– | Not addressed |
| |
– | Not addressed |
| |
– | Not addressed |
Records and assessments
In Privacy Act (AU)
- Section 10Agencies that are taken to hold a record
- Section 26WDException—notification under the My Health Records Act 2012
- Section 51Effect of investigation by Auditor-General
- APP 1Australian Privacy Principle 1—open and transparent management of personal information
Only a privacy policy and some use/disclosure notes (e.g. enforcement-related disclosures); no general ROPA.
- APP 6Australian Privacy Principle 6—use or disclosure of personal information
Only a privacy policy and some use/disclosure notes (e.g. enforcement-related disclosures); no general ROPA.
Records across 39 laws
| |
1 | Only a privacy policy and some use/disclosure notes (e.g. enforcement-related disclosures); no general ROPA. |
| |
3 | Controllers must keep a personal data processing inventory and file its contents in the public VERBIS registry, plus keep a retention and destruction policy. |
| |
3 | Controllers must notify the Authority of all processing activities, including purposes and retention, and keep a breach register. |
| |
2 | Controllers and processors must keep records of processing operations, especially those based on legitimate interest. |
| |
2 | Keep processing records and assessment reports for at least three years; regular compliance audits required. |
| |
2 | Controllers must keep a written record of processing activities, which may be electronic. |
| |
2 | Records of processing required; controllers with fewer than 100 workers exempt if processing is occasional, low risk and excludes special categories. |
| |
2 | Controllers must keep a dedicated record of processing, and processors a record of processing activities. |
| |
2 | Controllers and processors keep records of processing; limited exemption for organizations under 250 employees doing occasional, low-risk processing. |
| |
2 | No standalone record of processing duty; registration files the data held, purposes, recipients and transfer countries. DPC guidance recommends a RoPA. |
| |
2 | Controllers must record all processing activities. |
| |
2 | Every database needs a database definition document (purposes, data types, transfers, processors) and written security procedures. |
| |
2 | No standalone record of processing duty; registration requires describing data, purposes, recipients and transfers, and breaches must be recorded. |
| |
2 | GAID defines a Record of Processing Activities; DPO reports feed into it and it is checked in the annual compliance audit. |
| |
2 | A dated security document must include an inventory of personal data and processing systems, kept for Authority review. |
| |
2 | Maintain records describing processing systems, purposes, data categories, flows, retention, security measures and accountable persons. |
| |
2 | Keep a written record of processing during processing and five years after it ends; provide to SDAIA on request. |
| |
2 | Responsible parties must maintain documentation of all processing operations, as required by PAIA manuals. |
| |
2 | Controllers and processors must keep records; firms under 250 employees are exempt unless they process sensitive data at scale or do high-risk profiling. |
| |
2 | Controllers must keep written or electronic records of processing; small organizations exempt per PDPC notification. |
| |
2 | Keep a special record of processing including controller and DPO details; provide to the Data Office on request. |
| |
2 | Records of processing required; limited exemption for organizations under 250 employees doing occasional, low-risk processing. |
| |
2 | Controllers must keep evidence of consent and document processing in the filed impact assessment dossier. |
| |
1 | No separate records duty; the database registration filing describes each database. |
| |
1 | No general record of processing; businesses keep records of consumer requests for at least 24 months. |
| |
1 | No processing inventory; organizations must keep records of every breach of security safeguards. |
| |
1 | No general records duty; RNBD filings and documented processing, retention and deletion procedures act as a limited inventory. |
| |
1 | Log book required only for refused access or correction requests, kept 4 years. |
| |
1 | No general record of processing; fiduciaries must keep processing logs and related data for at least one year. |
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1 | Records required only for providing personal data to, or receiving it from, third parties. |
| |
1 | Keep a record of applications, notices, requests and other information relating to personal data, in the Commissioner's prescribed form. |
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1 | Regulation requires an inventory of personal data and processing systems as a security measure; not filed with the regulator. |
| |
1 | No processing inventory; enterprises must keep a register of confidentiality incidents. |
| |
1 | Public institution file registration and privacy policy disclosures; no general ROPA for private controllers. |
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1 | No general record of processing duty; the PDPO register records each entity's processing purpose, and registered entities file annual compliance reports. |
| |
1 | Accountability measures must be documented and available to the URCDP; database registration describes processing. |
| |
0 | No records-of-processing requirement in the current text. |
| |
0 | No records-of-processing duty. |
| |
0 | No record of processing requirement; organizations must document policies and practices. |
Security
In Privacy Act (AU)
- Section 6JSecuritisation arrangements etc
- Section 20NQuality of credit reporting information
- Section 20PFalse or misleading credit reporting information
- Section 20QSecurity of credit reporting information
- Section 21QQuality of credit eligibility information
- Section 21RFalse or misleading credit information or credit eligibility information
- Section 21SSecurity of credit eligibility information
- Section 49AInvestigation under section 40 to cease if civil penalty provision under Personal Property Securities Act 2009 may have been contravened
- Section 49BTransfer of complaints from the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security
- APP 10Australian Privacy Principle 10—quality of personal information
- APP 11Australian Privacy Principle 11—security of personal information
We don't score this topic in the comparison. The sections on the left are the place to start.
Breach notification
In Privacy Act (AU)
- Section 6ABreach of an Australian Privacy Principle
- Section 6BBreach of a registered APP code
- Section 6BABreach of the registered CR code
- Section 23AIndividual may complain about a breach of a provision of this Part etc
- Section 26WAGuide to this Part
- Section 26WBEntity
- Section 26WCDeemed holding of information
- Section 26WDException—notification under the My Health Records Act 2012
- Section 26WEEligible data breach
- Section 26WFException—remedial action
- Section 26WGWhether access or disclosure would be likely, or would not be likely, to result in serious harm—relevant matters
- Section 26WHAssessment of suspected eligible data breach
Assess suspected breaches within 30 days; notify OAIC as soon as practicable for eligible data breaches.
- Section 26WJException—eligible data breaches of other entities
- Section 26WKStatement about eligible data breach
Assess suspected breaches within 30 days; notify OAIC as soon as practicable for eligible data breaches.
- Section 26WLEntity must notify eligible data breach
Notify individuals at likely risk of serious harm as soon as practicable.
- Section 26WMException—eligible data breaches of other entities
- Section 26WRCommissioner may direct entity to notify eligible data breach
- Section 26WSException—enforcement related activities
- Section 26WTException—inconsistency with secrecy provisions
- Section 26WUPower to obtain information and documents relating to eligible data breaches
- Section 26XEligible data breach declaration
- Section 26XAWhen declarations cease to be in force
Tell the regulator across 39 laws
| |
1 | Assess suspected breaches within 30 days; notify OAIC as soon as practicable for eligible data breaches. |
| |
3 | Immediately take remedial measures and notify the regulator of a leak, alteration or loss. |
| |
3 | Intimate the Board without delay, then a detailed report within 72 hours of becoming aware. |
| |
3 | Report a severe security incident to the PPA immediately on discovery, through its online form. |
| |
3 | Notify the PDPO immediately on believing data was accessed or acquired by an unauthorized person. |
| |
3 | Notify POTRAZ within 24 hours of becoming aware, on Form DP3; investigation report within 21 days. |
| |
2 | Notify ANPD within 3 business days of learning an incident affected personal data and may cause relevant risk or harm. |
| |
2 | Notify the Attorney General within 15 days of notifying consumers when a breach affects more than 500 California residents. |
| |
2 | Report security incidents to SIC through the RNBD within 15 business days of detection. |
| |
2 | Notify the Superintendency within 5 days of becoming aware, unless the breach is unlikely to create risk; processors tell controllers within 2 days. |
| |
2 | Notify the Center within 72 hours of becoming aware; national-security breaches immediately. |
| |
2 | Notify the supervisory authority without undue delay and, where feasible, within 72 hours of becoming aware, unless risk is unlikely. |
| |
2 | Written notice to the agency within 72 hours (3x24 hours) after a failure is established. |
| |
2 | Report reportable breaches (sensitive data, financial harm, improper purpose, over 1,000 persons) promptly (3-5 days guidance), final report within 30 days, 60 if malicious. |
| |
2 | Notify the Data Commissioner within 72 hours of becoming aware where there is a real risk of harm; processors tell controllers within 48 hours. |
| |
2 | Notify the Commissioner as soon as practicable and within 72 hours of the breach. |
| |
2 | Notify the Commission within 72 hours of becoming aware of a breach likely to risk individuals' rights. |
| |
2 | Notify the Authority within 48 hours of qualifying incidents (large-scale, sensitive data or many affected); digital incidents also to the National Digital Security Center. |
| |
2 | Notify the NPC within 72 hours of knowledge of a breach involving sensitive or fraud-enabling data with real risk of serious harm. |
| |
2 | Notify SDAIA within 72 hours of becoming aware of a breach that may harm data subjects. |
| |
2 | After assessing a breach as notifiable, notify the PDPC as soon as practicable and no later than 3 calendar days. |
| |
2 | Report to PIPC within 72 hours where 1,000+ persons, sensitive or unique identifiers, or external hacking are involved. |
| |
2 | Notify the PDPC Office within 72 hours of becoming aware, where feasible, unless no risk to rights. |
| |
2 | Notify the Board as soon as possible, interpreted by the Board as within 72 hours of discovery, with no risk threshold. |
| |
2 | Notify the ICO without undue delay and, where feasible, within 72 hours of becoming aware, unless risk is unlikely. |
| |
2 | Notify the URCDP within 72 hours of becoming aware of a breach, then file a detailed report once resolved. |
| |
2 | Notify the specialized agency (A05) within 72 hours of detecting a breach likely to cause serious harm. |
| |
1 | Report to the Commissioner as soon as feasible if a breach creates a real risk of significant harm. |
| |
1 | Notify the Commissioner as soon as practicable in the circumstances; no fixed hours. |
| |
1 | Notify the Commission as soon as reasonably practicable after discovery; no fixed hour limit. |
| |
1 | Notify the Commissioner as soon as practicable after becoming aware of a notifiable breach (OPC guide: within 72 hours). |
| |
1 | Promptly notify the Commission d'accès à l'information of incidents presenting a risk of serious injury. |
| |
1 | Notify the Regulator as soon as reasonably possible after discovering a security compromise; no fixed hour limit. Filed through the eServices portal since April 2025. |
| |
1 | Notify the FDPIC as soon as possible of a breach likely to pose a high risk; no fixed hour deadline. |
| |
1 | Notify the Data Office on becoming aware of a breach prejudicing privacy, within a period the Executive Regulations will set. |
| |
0 | No statutory breach notification duty. |
| |
0 | No breach notification duty in the current text. |
| |
0 | No mandatory notification; voluntary notice to PCPD encouraged. |
| |
0 | No duty to notify the regulator. |
Transfers abroad
In Privacy Act (AU)
- Section 13DOverseas act required by foreign law
- Section 16CActs and practices of overseas recipients of personal information
Take reasonable steps so overseas recipients comply with APPs; discloser stays accountable. Whitelist power added in 2024.
- Section 49BTransfer of complaints from the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security
- APP 8Australian Privacy Principle 8—cross-border disclosure of personal information
Take reasonable steps so overseas recipients comply with APPs; discloser stays accountable. Whitelist power added in 2024.
Transfers abroad across 39 laws
| |
1 | Take reasonable steps so overseas recipients comply with APPs; discloser stays accountable. Whitelist power added in 2024. |
| |
3 | Transfers need CAC security assessment, certification or the CAC standard contract, plus notice and separate consent. |
| |
3 | Transfers abroad need equivalent protection in the destination and a licence or permit from the Center, unless a listed exception applies. |
| |
3 | Transfer impact assessment dossier must be filed with MPS within 60 days of first transfer, plus a written agreement with the recipient. |
| |
2 | Transfers prohibited to countries or bodies without adequate protection, except listed cases such as treaties, judicial cooperation and other statutory exceptions. |
| |
2 | Transfers allowed via adequacy, ANPD standard clauses (mandatory since Aug 2025), ANPD-approved specific clauses or BCRs, or specific consent. |
| |
2 | Transfers to countries without adequate protection are prohibited unless an exception applies (explicit consent, contract, treaty) or SIC issues a declaration of conformity. |
| |
2 | Transfer if destination has adequate protection or with appropriate safeguards, or listed derogations. |
| |
2 | Transfers allowed to countries declared adequate by the regulator, or with binding guarantees or binding corporate rules; listed exceptions include explicit consent. |
| |
2 | Transfers outside the EEA need an adequacy decision or appropriate safeguards (SCCs, BCRs), or a listed derogation. |
| |
2 | Destination must offer equal or higher protection, else adequate binding safeguards, else consent; BCRs need DPA approval under GR 33. |
| |
2 | Allowed only if the destination's protection is no lower than Israel's, or under listed exceptions such as consent, EU-adequate or Convention 108 countries, group or contractual safeguards; no PPA approval. |
| |
2 | Transfer abroad needs prior consent after information on the destination regime, an adequate country (EU/UK), or a recipient with equivalent systems. |
| |
2 | Transfers need proof of appropriate safeguards to the Data Commissioner or a listed condition; sensitive data needs consent. |
| |
2 | Transfer allowed if destination law is substantially similar or protection equivalent, or under listed exceptions (consent, contract, due diligence). |
| |
2 | Domestic and international transfers need consent via the privacy notice, with listed exceptions; recipient assumes the controller's obligations, typically by contract. |
| |
2 | Overseas disclosure allowed only with comparable safeguards, consent after warning, prescribed binding scheme or country, or contract. |
| |
2 | Transfers need an adequate level of protection in the destination or a listed basis such as informed consent. |
| |
2 | Transfers allowed to adequate countries or with safeguards such as model clauses; every cross-border flow must be notified to the Authority. |
| |
2 | Before communicating data outside Quebec, conduct a PIA confirming adequate protection and sign a written agreement. |
| |
2 | Transfers need a specified purpose, minimum data, and adequacy, BCRs, standard clauses, certification or listed derogations, with a risk assessment. |
| |
2 | Transfers only under prescribed requirements ensuring a comparable standard of protection (contracts, BCRs, certification, consent). |
| |
2 | Transfers abroad allowed only with adequate protection (law, binding corporate rules or agreement), consent, contract necessity, or data subject benefit. |
| |
2 | Transfer abroad needs separate consent, a statutory basis, contract necessity with disclosure, a certified recipient, or a PIPC-recognized country. |
| |
2 | Allowed to Federal Council-listed adequate countries; otherwise FDPIC-recognized SCCs, FDPIC-approved BCRs, or notified clauses; limited derogations such as explicit consent. |
| |
2 | Destination must have adequate standards, or a listed exception applies (consent, contract, etc.); intra-group transfers need a PDPC-certified policy. |
| |
2 | Needs a Board adequacy decision; else Board-approved BCRs or undertakings, or a Board standard contract filed within five business days. Incidental transfers allowed on listed grounds. |
| |
2 | Transfer to countries with adequate protection approved by the Data Office, or via contract, explicit consent and other listed grounds. |
| |
2 | Processing or storage abroad requires adequate protection at least equivalent to the Act, or data subject consent; onward transfer needs express consent. |
| |
2 | Transfers need UK adequacy regulations under a 'not materially lower' data protection test, or appropriate safeguards such as the IDTA or Addendum. |
| |
2 | Transfers prohibited to countries without adequate protection, except listed cases (explicit consent, contract, vital interest); URCDP may authorize transfers with safeguards. |
| |
2 | Transfers abroad need adequate protection in the recipient country or a listed derogation such as unambiguous consent. |
| |
1 | Organization remains accountable and must use contracts or other means to ensure comparable protection by third-party processors. |
| |
1 | No general transfer restriction; controllers must ensure foreign processors comply and list transfer countries at registration. |
| |
1 | No adequacy regime; controller stays accountable for data sent abroad and must ensure comparable protection by contract or other means. |
| |
0 | No international transfer restriction in the current text. |
| |
0 | No transfer restriction in force; s.33 never commenced. PCPD recommends model contract clauses. |
| |
0 | Transfers allowed except to countries the government restricts by notification; conditions may be set by order. |
| |
– | Not addressed |
Retention
In Privacy Act (AU)
- Section 20JDestruction of pre-screening assessment
- Section 20VDestruction etc. of credit reporting information after the retention period ends
- Section 20WRetention period for credit information—general
- Section 20XRetention period for credit information—personal insolvency information
- Section 20YDestruction of credit reporting information in cases of fraud
- Section 20ZADealing with information if an Australian law etc. requires it to be retained
- APP 11Australian Privacy Principle 11—security of personal information
Destroy or de-identify personal information once no longer needed for any permitted purpose.
Retention across 39 laws
| |
2 | Destroy or de-identify personal information once no longer needed for any permitted purpose. |
| |
3 | Erase when purpose ends or consent is withdrawn; large e-commerce, gaming and social platforms must erase after three years of inactivity with 48 hours' notice. |
| |
3 | Without a statutory period, storage must end within six months after the purpose is accomplished. |
| |
2 | Data must be deleted when processing ends, with listed exceptions such as legal obligations or research. |
| |
2 | Disclose retention period per category and keep data no longer than reasonably necessary for the disclosed purpose. |
| |
2 | Retain for the shortest period necessary; delete when purpose is achieved, consent withdrawn or retention period expires. |
| |
2 | Keep data no longer than necessary; when the basis ends, delete, anonymize, pseudonymize, encrypt or put it beyond use. |
| |
2 | Data may not be kept longer than the purpose requires and must be erased when the purpose ends. |
| |
2 | Data may not be kept longer than necessary and must then be destroyed, deleted or de-identified. |
| |
2 | Do not keep data longer than necessary and take practicable steps to erase it. |
| |
2 | Delete or destroy data at the end of the retention period or on request; notices must state the retention period. |
| |
2 | Keep data only as long as reasonably necessary, maintain a retention schedule with periodic review, then erase or anonymize. |
| |
2 | Do not keep data longer than necessary and take reasonable steps to destroy or permanently delete it. |
| |
2 | Data must be blocked, then deleted, once purposes end; records of contractual defaults must be deleted after 72 months. |
| |
2 | Indefinite retention generally prohibited; processors keep data at most 2 years after the engagement ends; access logs kept at least 2 years. |
| |
2 | Destroy or anonymize information once its purposes are achieved, subject to legal retention periods. |
| |
2 | Destroy data when no longer needed for its purpose or processed unlawfully, subject to legal retention exceptions. |
| |
2 | Records may not be kept longer than necessary for the purpose and must be destroyed, deleted or de-identified afterward. |
| |
2 | Destroy personal information without delay once the retention period ends or the purpose is achieved. |
| |
2 | Controllers must examine and erase or anonymize data after the retention period or when no longer needed. |
| |
2 | Erase, destroy or anonymize data once processing grounds end; registered controllers need a retention policy and periodic destruction at least every six months. |
| |
2 | Data may not be kept longer than necessary; at expiry it must be destroyed, deleted or de-identified. |
| |
2 | Delete data once no longer necessary; negative credit records limited to 5 years, renewable once. |
| |
2 | Delete when purpose is complete, retention period ends, ordered by authorities, or on request. |
| |
1 | Data must be destroyed once no longer necessary or relevant to the purpose collected. |
| |
1 | Keep information only as long as needed for its purposes; destroy, erase or anonymize when no longer required. |
| |
1 | Data must be deleted or cancelled when storage lacks a legal basis or the data has expired. |
| |
1 | Process data only as long as reasonable and necessary for the purpose, then delete unless law or contract requires retention. |
| |
1 | Data kept no longer than necessary; controllers must set deletion or periodic review deadlines; the regulator may set periods. |
| |
1 | Storage limitation: keep identifiable data no longer than necessary; erase when no longer needed. |
| |
1 | Delete data once its lawful purpose is exhausted and review holdings periodically, at least annually, for excess data; no statutory periods. |
| |
1 | Businesses must endeavor to delete personal data without delay once it is no longer needed. |
| |
1 | Do not keep information longer than required for lawful purposes. |
| |
1 | Retain only as long as necessary for the declared purpose, legal claims or legitimate business purposes, then dispose securely. |
| |
1 | Cease retention or anonymize once the purpose is no longer served and no legal or business need remains. |
| |
1 | Destroy or anonymize personal data once it is no longer needed for its purpose; no statutory periods. |
| |
1 | Personal data must not be kept after the purpose is exhausted, unless anonymized. |
| |
1 | Storage limitation: keep identifiable data no longer than necessary. |
| |
1 | Data may be kept no longer than necessary for the purpose collected; no specific periods. |
Regulator
In Privacy Act (AU)
- Section 8Acts and practices of, and disclosure of information to, staff of agency, organisation etc
- Section 26GDevelopment of APP codes by the Commissioner—following a request
- Section 26GADevelopment of APP codes by the Commissioner—at the direction of the Minister
- Section 26GBDevelopment of APP codes by the Commissioner—temporary APP codes
- Section 26GCDevelopment of APP codes by the Commissioner—Children's Online Privacy Code
- Section 26HCommissioner may register APP codes
- Section 26RDevelopment of CR code by the Commissioner
- Section 26SCommissioner may register CR code
- Section 26WQException—declaration by Commissioner
- Section 26WRCommissioner may direct entity to notify eligible data breach
- Section 26WSException—enforcement related activities
- Section 26WTException—inconsistency with secrecy provisions
- Section 26WUPower to obtain information and documents relating to eligible data breaches
- Section 37Principal executive of agency
- Section 38ACommissioner may determine that a complaint is not to continue as a representative complaint
- Section 41Commissioner may or must decide not to investigate etc. in certain circumstances
- Section 52Determination of the Commissioner
- Section 53ANotice to be given to outsourcing agency
- Section 53BSubstituting an agency for a contracted service provider
- Section 59Obligations of principal executive of agency
- Section 62Enforcement of determination against an agency
- Section 64Commissioner etc. not to be sued
- Section 65Failure to attend etc. before Commissioner
We don't score this topic in the comparison. The sections on the left are the place to start.
Complaints and enforcement
In Privacy Act (AU)
- Section 13JAlternative orders
- Section 23Guide to this Division
- Section 23AIndividual may complain about a breach of a provision of this Part etc
- Section 23BDealing with complaints
- Section 23CNotification requirements relating to correction complaints
- Section 25Compensation orders
- Section 25AOther orders to compensate loss or damage
- Section 26WFException—remedial action
- Section 26WNException—enforcement related activities
- Section 26WSException—enforcement related activities
- Section 26XHCompensation for acquisition of property
- Section 36AGuide to this Part
- Section 36Complaints
- Section 36BComplaints relating to the data sharing scheme
- Section 38Conditions for making a representative complaint
Statutory tort for serious invasions of privacy (from 10 Jun 2025); representative complaints to OAIC.
- Section 38ACommissioner may determine that a complaint is not to continue as a representative complaint
- Section 38BAdditional rules applying to the determination of representative complaints
- Section 38CAmendment of representative complaints
- Section 39Class member for representative complaint not entitled to lodge individual complaint
- Section 40Investigations
- Section 40AConciliation of complaints
- Section 41Commissioner may or must decide not to investigate etc. in certain circumstances
- Section 43Conduct of investigations
- Section 49Investigation under section 40 to cease if certain offences may have been committed
- Section 49AInvestigation under section 40 to cease if civil penalty provision under Personal Property Securities Act 2009 may have been contravened
- Section 49BTransfer of complaints from the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security
- Section 50ASubstitution of respondent to complaint
- Section 51Effect of investigation by Auditor-General
- Section 52Determination of the Commissioner
- Section 52ADetermination—requirement to notify conduct constituting interference with privacy of individual
- Section 53Determination must identify the class members who are to be affected by the determination
- Section 53ANotice to be given to outsourcing agency
- Section 53BSubstituting an agency for a contracted service provider
- Section 54Application of Division
- Section 55Obligations of organisations and small business operators
- Section 55AProceedings in the Federal Court or Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) to enforce a determination
- Section 55BEvidentiary certificate
- Section 57Application of Division
- Section 58Obligations of agencies
- Section 59Obligations of principal executive of agency
- Section 60Compensation and expenses
- Section 62Enforcement of determination against an agency
- Section 80TASimplified outline of this Part
- Section 80TDInvestigation powers
- Section 80TEModifications of Part 3 of the Regulatory Powers Act
- Section 80UAPowers of court to make other orders
Private action across 39 laws
| |
2 | Statutory tort for serious invasions of privacy (from 10 Jun 2025); representative complaints to OAIC. |
| |
3 | Controllers and processors must compensate material or moral damage; individual and collective actions allowed. |
| |
3 | Private right of action for data breaches from failure to maintain reasonable security: USD 107-799 per consumer per incident, class actions allowed. |
| |
3 | Tort claims with presumed fault of the handler; prosecutors and designated organizations may bring public interest suits. |
| |
3 | Right to compensation for material or non-material damage; representative bodies may bring claims, including collective redress. |
| |
3 | Civil tort claims plus statutory damages without proof of harm: up to ILS 10,000 for listed database violations, more for privacy infringement. Class actions are available. |
| |
3 | Courts must award punitive damages of at least CAD 1,000 for intentional or grossly negligent infringements; class actions available. |
| |
3 | Damages with reversed burden of proof, up to 5x for intentional or negligent leaks, statutory damages up to KRW 3 million, and group suits. |
| |
3 | Strict liability for damages, plus punitive damages up to twice actual damages; class actions available under civil procedure. |
| |
2 | Habeas data court action to access, rectify, suppress or keep data confidential; liability for damages also arises. |
| |
2 | Controller must compensate material and moral damage from improper processing; amount set by the judge. |
| |
2 | Data subjects complain to SIC after exhausting the controller process; damages are claimed under general civil liability. |
| |
2 | Data subjects may sue directly in DIFC Courts for financial and non-financial harm, including distress. |
| |
2 | Data subjects may sue for damages (Constitution art. 92 habeas data) and must be guaranteed full reparation. |
| |
2 | Victims keep the right to claim compensation; entities are jointly liable for employees' violations. |
| |
2 | Individuals who suffer damage or distress from a contravention are entitled to compensation, subject to a reasonable care defense. |
| |
2 | Individuals suffering damage, including injury to feelings, may claim compensation; PCPD may give legal assistance. |
| |
2 | Data subjects may sue for compensation for violations of processing. |
| |
2 | Individuals may sue to compel disclosure, correction or cessation, and claim tort damages under the Civil Code. |
| |
2 | Persons who suffer damage, including distress, are entitled to compensation from the controller or processor. |
| |
2 | Administrative sanctions apply without prejudice to civil liability, so data subjects can claim damages in the civil courts. |
| |
2 | After a Commissioner complaint, individuals may bring proceedings in the Human Rights Review Tribunal for damages. |
| |
2 | Data subjects who suffer injury, loss or harm may sue for damages; the Commission can also order compensation. |
| |
2 | Anyone harmed may claim compensation; denied rights can be pursued before the Authority or by habeas data action. |
| |
2 | Data subjects may be indemnified for damages from inaccurate or unlawful processing. |
| |
2 | Anyone harmed may seek proportionate compensation for material or moral damage before the competent court. |
| |
2 | Persons suffering loss or damage may sue for injunction, declaration, damages or other relief. |
| |
2 | Data subjects, or the Regulator on their behalf, may sue for patrimonial, non-patrimonial and aggravated damages, regardless of intent or negligence. |
| |
2 | Data subjects can sue for injunctions, rectification or deletion, damages, moral damages and surrender of profits. |
| |
2 | Data subjects can claim compensation in civil courts for damage from unlawful processing; complaints to the Board come after a request to the controller. |
| |
2 | A data subject who suffers damage or distress may apply to court for compensation; complaints also go to the PDPO. |
| |
2 | Individuals can claim compensation for material or non-material damage; representative actions are limited in practice. |
| |
2 | Habeas data court action with summary procedure to access, rectify, include or delete data. |
| |
2 | Violators must compensate damage; controllers and processors liable for losses caused by their processing. |
| |
1 | After a Commissioner complaint, individuals may apply to the Federal Court for damages, including for humiliation. |
| |
1 | Civil courts barred; data principals complain to the Data Protection Board after exhausting grievance redressal. No compensation provision. |
| |
1 | Data subjects may complain to the Data Office; no compensation or civil claim provision. |
| |
1 | No statutory compensation right; data subjects complain to POTRAZ, with appeal to the Administrative Court. |
| |
0 | No statutory right for data subjects to sue for compensation; complaints go to the Commissioner. |
Offenses and penalties
In Privacy Act (AU)
- Section 3AApplication of the Criminal Code
- Section 13GCivil penalty provision for serious interference with privacy of an individual
Body corporate: greater of AUD 50 million, 3x the benefit, or 30% of adjusted turnover for serious interferences.
- Section 13HCivil penalty provision for interference with privacy of individuals
- Section 13KCivil penalty provision for which infringement notices or compliance notices can be issued
- Section 26XCDisclosure of information—offence
- Section 49Investigation under section 40 to cease if certain offences may have been committed
- Section 49AInvestigation under section 40 to cease if civil penalty provision under Personal Property Securities Act 2009 may have been contravened
- Section 80UCivil penalty provisions
- Section 80UAPowers of court to make other orders
Maximum fine across 39 laws
| |
3 | Body corporate: greater of AUD 50 million, 3x the benefit, or 30% of adjusted turnover for serious interferences. |
| |
3 | Simple fine up to 2% of Brazil revenue for the prior year, capped at BRL 50 million per infraction; daily fines also possible. |
| |
3 | Up to RMB 50 million or 5% of prior-year revenue; responsible individuals RMB 100,000 to 1 million. |
| |
3 | Serious infringements: 0.7% to 1% of prior-year business volume; public servants 10 to 20 basic salaries. |
| |
3 | Up to EUR 20 million or 4% of total worldwide annual turnover, whichever is higher. |
| |
3 | Up to INR 250 crore (about USD 30m) per instance for security safeguard failures. |
| |
3 | Administrative fines up to 2% of annual revenue; criminal corporate fines up to 10x individual maximum. |
| |
3 | Tiered administrative fines, many per data subject (e.g., ILS 4-8 per person for sensitive databases), plus fixed amounts up to ILS 640,000 per violation; no overall cap stated. |
| |
3 | Greater of N10 million or 2% of prior-year annual gross revenue for entities of major importance; N2 million or 2% for others. |
| |
3 | Penal fines up to CAD 25 million or 4% of worldwide turnover; administrative penalties up to CAD 10 million or 2%. |
| |
3 | Up to 10% of annual Singapore turnover if over SGD 10 million, otherwise SGD 1 million. |
| |
3 | Penalty surcharge up to 3% of total revenue (excluding unrelated revenue); up to 10% for repeat, mass (10m+) or post-order breaches. |
| |
3 | Courts may fine a corporation up to 2% of annual gross turnover; individual offenses up to 245 currency points (UGX 4.9 million). |
| |
3 | Up to GBP 17.5 million or 4% of worldwide annual turnover, whichever is higher; PECR fines now aligned to the same level. |
| |
3 | Up to 5% of prior-year revenue for cross-border violations, 10x revenue for illegal data trading, VND 3 billion for other violations. |
| |
2 | Up to USD 2,663 per violation or USD 7,988 per intentional violation or violation involving minors, with no aggregate cap. |
| |
2 | Up to 2,000 monthly minimum wages (roughly USD 0.7m), plus suspension or closure of operations. |
| |
2 | Administrative fines up to USD 100,000 per standard contravention under Schedule 2. |
| |
2 | Fines up to EGP 5 million (about USD 100,000) per offense, doubled for repeat offenses. |
| |
2 | Criminal fines up to HKD 1,000,000 (about USD 128k) for doxxing causing harm or selling data for marketing. |
| |
2 | Criminal corporate fine up to JPY 100 million for violating PPC orders or unlawful database provision. Amendment adds revenue-linked administrative surcharges. |
| |
2 | Up to RM1,000,000 (about USD 235k) and/or 3 years' imprisonment for breaching the data protection principles. |
| |
2 | Up to 320,000 UMA (about MXN 36 million, roughly USD 2m), doubled for sensitive data, plus an additional fine of up to 320,000 UMA for repeat violations. |
| |
2 | Up to 100 UIT (about PEN 535,000, roughly USD 145,000), not exceeding 10% of prior-year gross income. |
| |
2 | Fines up to SAR 5 million (about USD 1.3m) per violation, doubled for repeat violations. |
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2 | Administrative fine up to R10 million (about USD 550,000). |
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2 | Criminal fine up to CHF 250,000 per individual; a company can be fined up to CHF 50,000 when identifying the individual is disproportionate. |
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2 | Administrative fines up to THB 5 million per violation (about USD 150k). |
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2 | Administrative fines up to TRY 17,092,242 per violation in 2026, revalued each year. |
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1 | ARS 1,000 to 100,000 per infringement; total for the same conduct capped at ARS 50 million (about USD 35,000-40,000). |
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1 | Fines up to CAD 100,000 on indictment (CAD 10,000 summary) for knowing breach-reporting and listed violations; no administrative fines. |
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1 | Court-imposed fines of 1 to 10 UTM, or 10 to 50 UTM for economic, financial and commercial data (about USD 3,500 at most). |
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1 | General penalty up to 5,000 penalty units (about GHS 60,000) and/or 10 years' imprisonment. |
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1 | Up to KES 5 million or 1% of prior-year annual turnover, whichever is lower (about USD 39,000 maximum). |
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1 | Criminal fines up to NZD 10,000 (e.g. failing to notify a breach). |
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1 | Criminal fines up to PHP 5 million; administrative fines up to 3% of annual gross income, capped at PHP 5 million (about USD 86k) per act. |
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1 | Up to 500,000 indexed units (UI) (roughly USD 80,000), plus warning or suspension of the database. |
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1 | Fines up to level 11 (reported at about USD 1,000) and/or up to 7 years' imprisonment. |
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0 | No fines in force; Cabinet decision defining violations and penalties not issued. |
This index, the topic tags and the notes are ours, scored on the published rubric. Headings marked "our heading" are our descriptions where the source has none. Always read the official text before acting. Not legal advice.
Regulations library
Every US state privacy law, on one map
24 states have a comprehensive privacy law in the library, alongside the EU, UK, US federal and global laws: 102 in all, each explained in plain words with its sources. Select a state to see what applies there.
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