Telemarketers top list in national privacy phone in

3 out of 4 of those who called the Australian Law Reform Commission privacy phone in last week raised concerns about unsolicited calls from telemarketers. I guess we can all sympathise with those who told the Commission they receive more than a dozen calls a night.

The Federal Government’s “Do not call” legislation has now been introduced into Parliament but while this might provide some relief, it may leave many gaps. Charities, political parties, independent members of Parliament, candidates in elections, government bodies, educational institutions, research organisations and those you have done business with over the last 12 months are exempt. It may turn out to be a long wait until the legislation commences, and then too little relief. Professor Graham Greenleaf of UNSW can be heard discussing the issues on ABC Radio National Life Matters.

Other significant privacy concerns raised during the phone in included public and private sector handling practices, security of health information, video surveillance and the proposed national access card.

Don’t hold your breath for any magic bullet and the Commission has until 2008 to report to the Federal Government.