UC research: your personal data will go AWOL
Kristyn Comino
09 June 2014: Australians' humanity is in question as individuals are reduced to data files in all areas of life, particularly in the health system, at airport gateways and in law enforcement, according to new research presented at a º£½ÇÉäÇø symposium recently.
A new paper by the University's assistant professors in law Bruce Arnold and Wendy Bonython explores the relationship between dignity, privacy and security in Australian laws. Focusing on the period following September 11, 2001, they highlight concerns with the government's online service website myGov and the national electronic health system.
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Bruce Arnold and Wendy Bonython presented their research at the UC Justice Connections symposium. Photo: Michelle McAulay |
"Dignity involves recognition as a person rather than as ID numbers or bundles of data," Dr Bonython said. "This is called into question in situations where people undergo cavity and strip searches in connection with law enforcement, undergo pat-down or virtual searching at airport gateways, and are sorted on arrival in Australia on the basis of specific characteristics or attributes about them from a data file."
Mr Arnold said their paper demonstrates that law needs to enshrine greater respect for people as individuals, while recognising that mass data facilitates delivery of services to individuals by the public and private sectors, including security.
"In the eyes of business and government every Australian is a set of digital files, not a person," Mr Arnold said.
"At some time in your life, personal information about yourself will go AWOL. We need to change the law, not just wail at the funeral of privacy. The consequences of such data leaks can have a profound effect on personal wellbeing and the economy."
Their presentation draws on legal research, in particular, examination of Australian case and statute law.
This was just one of the research projects that were presented at the º£½ÇÉäÇø's third Justice Connections symposium on 30 May, which brought together a wide range of law and justice experts, academics and students to talk about justice in its different forms.
Other topics included the role of media in socialisation, navigating the legal remedy pathways in workplace bullying and the possible increased risk of domestic violence for migrant women.
The event was be opened by chair of the ACT Law Reform Advisory Council Simon Rice OAM and a pre-recorded presentation was delivered by former High Court judge Michael Kirby AC CMG, which you can watch below.