Australia's AMSRO Launches Privacy Initiatives

In Australia, the Association of Market & Social Research Organisations (AMSRO) has launched new data privacy initiatives, as part of its promotion of the responsible use of customer data in research and analytics.

AMSRO maintains Australia's 'first and only' industry privacy code, under which all its members operate. Building on this, the organisation's new series of best practice privacy training modules provide guidance on complying with Australian Privacy Principles (APP) and the privacy code. Produced in conjunction with CIE Legal, there are five modules in total, outlining how to handle privacy breaches (under Australia's Notifiable Data Breach Scheme), adhering to the APPs and tips for privacy compliance. AMSRO will also be releasing the privacy modules on YouTube.

The association has also launched the Information and Data Security Compliance System (IDSCS), which can be used as a standalone system or to support member organisations with phase one of the ISO 27001 quality assurance audit process. The new system is exclusive to AMSRO member organisations and is offered in association with Best Practice Certification. Member companies undertaking the IDSCS process will save approximately 30% on accredited certification costs and be independently audited on an annual basis.

AMSRO President, Craig Young (pictured) comments: 'As the peak industry body for the research and data collection industry it is incumbent on AMSRO to support our members with the most up-to-date knowledge and advice on how to manage data privacy and data compliance issues. This ensures member organisations are not only aware of their obligations but continue to have a sufficient level of knowledge on how best to comply with legislation, uphold the highest standards and mitigate risk for both the public and clients'.

Web site: www.amsro.com.au .