Privacy & Biometrics
Privacy Advice
Biometrics Privacy Charter
The Biometrics Institute has launched a Biometrics Privacy Charter in November 2011. It has been designed by the Biometrics Institute to provide a universal guide for suppliers, end users, managers and purchasers of biometric systems. It is the public’s assurance that the biometric managers have followed best practice privacy principles when designing, implementing and managing biometric based projects.
Members of the Biometrics Institute can access this Privacy Charter and become Supporters who demonstrate a commitment to privacy protection.
Biometrics Institute Privacy Checklist (PAC)
The Biometrics Institute launched its Privacy Awareness Checklist (PAC) for members of the Biometrics Institute in May 2010 to assist members in a quick an easy way to assess privacy impacts when using biometrics. It provides a snapshot in time of where the organisation sits in regards to privacy. Members can access this PAC.
Privacy Impact Assessments (PIA)
This site will provide you with more information and links about PIAs.
Biometrics Institute Privacy Code Checklist
The Biometrics Institute Privacy Code was designed for the protection of Institute members and their clients. It has been approved by the Federal Privacy Commissioner and is part of the Privacy Act. It enables you to guarantee that you protect your clients’ privacy in a professional manner. It is your benchmark and your evidence that you have in place systems and procedures that comply with Australia’s Privacy Act.
Complete this checklist to understand why you should subscribe to the Biometrics Institute Privacy Code.
Biometrics Institute Information Sheet "Using Biometrics in Licensed Premises and Clubs – Are you protecting your patrons' privacy and reducing risk of litigation?"
The Biometrics Institute has been following the public debate about the introduction of biometrics into clubs in Australia including the Coogee Bay Hotel (“Fingerprint scanners concern privacy watchdog”, New.com.au, 9 July 2010, ). If your organisation is a club or pub with a turnover greater than $3 million per year and is using, or considering, biometrics (i.e. fingerscans, iris scans, voice prints or facial scans), then the organisation must comply with the National Privacy Principles (NPPs) of the National Privacy Act.
These questions may be too difficult for a small organisation to address. But nevertheless they should consider all privacy and legal implications before introducing biometrics. Otherwise many clubs may get into great difficulty. We provide technical and procedural privacy guidance to members and other interested stakeholders. We suggest that any company considering the use of biometrics should seek our advice in order to ensure that the technology is implemented in a responsible way and with due consideration to privacy and in line with the Australian Privacy Act. We have developed an Information Sheet to help guide Pubs, Clubs & other licensed premises on the introduction of biometrics.