[LINK] Tax Office selling ABN details

[Robin Whittle]

Karl Schaffarczyk wrote:

> Hi Stewart, Linkers,
> I am currently wondering what the big deal is...
> 
> my thoughts:
> 
> a) none of this information relates directly to individuals. Privacy 
> in this country has only ever dealt with individuals.

We all agree that privacy laws in this country are inadequate.  I
believe that some models of privacy as adopted by privacy advocates are
also inadequate.

Privacy is what the person says it is.  If I use the word privacy to
define the ability of me to work here, in peace, without being
interrupted by telemarketers and door-to-door sales people, then that is
a perfectly reasonable definition of privacy.

The government's action in allowing the aggressive use of this data for
a purpose other than that which it was collected for is a violation of
the fundamental principles of privacy and will lead to privacy invasive
marketing.  I don't care a hoot whether it concerns "businesses" or
"individuals".  As long as businesses are run by people, their ability
to work without invasive intrusion beyond their control is something
which I think is adequately described with the word "privacy".  

For the personal well-being of those people and for the productivity of
businesses and therefore the nation, there should be legislation to
protect against such intrusions.

  - Robin