OIC attends virtual 56th Asia Pacific Privacy Authorities Forum

December 7, 2021 - 9:50am

OIC representatives attended the 56th Asia Pacific Privacy Authorities (APPA) Forum virtually, which was hosted by the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia in Canada from 30 November - 2 December 2021.

APPA members discussed several common privacy issues and enforcement challenges, shared their knowledge and experience, and continued to build relationships with a view towards enhanced cooperation.

Key themes discussed over the three days were enabling cross border data flows, guidance and enforcement, virtual health care and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Information Commissioner Rachael Rangihaeata updated members on Queensland legislative amendments to the Public Health Act 2005 to protect contact tracing information collected by the COVID-19 Check in Qld app.

APPA members thanked and acknowledged the contributions of Queensland Privacy Commissioner Philip Green, and New Zealand Privacy Commissioner John Edwards, who are moving on from their current appointments.

Eighteen APPA member authorities attended (including the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, Information and Privacy Commission NSW and Office of the Victoria Information Commissioner), as well as twelve invited guest organisations from around the world.

Read more about the forum and the associated communique.

Forums are held twice a year with planning underway for the 57th APPA Forum expected in mid-2022.