Dealing with personal information in an emergency, pandemic or disaster event
Sharing information rapidly during an emergency, pandemic or natural disaster event can speed up help for those in need, especially individuals whose health and safety may be at risk. But what about the privacy implications? What do you need to consider when handling personal information in an emergency?
The Information Privacy Act (IP Act) contains protections and provisions for personal information held by Queensland public sector agencies. This includes flexibilities for dealing with personal information in an emergency. Some of these flexibilities include specific exemptions in the privacy principles governing secondary use and disclosure for situations where the health and safety of individuals may be at risk.
Queensland public sector agencies will be better prepared to handle personal information before, during and after an emergency, pandemic or disaster event if they understand these flexibilities and other provisions of the IP Act. We have a guideline for public service officers who need to use, disclose, or access personal information in an emergency, pandemic or disaster event. It includes practical tips and examples to increase understanding and help simplify compliance with the IP Act.
Read our:
- Guideline on privacy and managing disaster events.
- Privacy flexibility in disaster management - information sharing scenarios.
call our enquires service on (07) 3234 7373 or 1800 642 753 email enquiries@oic.qld.gov.au download our Desktop image - Dealing with Personal information in an emergency (PNG, 140.12 KB) download our social media shareable image (PNG, 190.25 KB) - find out more about the Queensland Government's Get Ready campaign
