Media Release – Contact Tracing Information Concerns

Meg Webb | Media Release |October 28, 2020  

Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb has raised serious concerns about the retention and misuse of contact tracing information as Tasmanian borders reopen.  

Ms Webb has written to Premier Peter Gutwein seeking clarification as to the rules and responsibilities for the collection of personal contact information by Tasmanian private businesses.

“I believe all of Tasmania supports strict contact tracing information requirements the State Government has called for as our borders reopen to other States,” Ms Webb said.

 

“Contact tracing is a key measure to ensure that if COVID-19 cases are detected, authorities can track people effectively. But when a Tasmanian citizen’s personal information is provided to a venue – for example, a restaurant or bar or café – who owns it? Who can legally use it? It’s being collected for the protection of all Tasmanians.”

Ms Webb she recently attended a hospitality venue and provided her personal information as per the contact tracing requirements.

“I was extremely surprised when I received a promotional email from the venue the next day. At the time of providing my contact details, I specifically noted there was no written information on the form about authorisation of other possible use of my contact details.”

Ms Webb called on the Gutwein Government to reassure all Tasmanians and protect their personal information from misuse.

“What greatly concerns me is that if people start receiving regular promotional offerings to their inbox or smart phone, they may become annoyed and stop providing the correct information.”

Ms Webb said the Government should look to protect Tasmanians’ personal information  as the State recovers from COVID-19.

“We want all Tasmanians to get out and support local businesses. But as the borders reopen now, later next month and hopefully in December, more and more interstate visitors will come to Tasmania, which is great for our economy.”

Ms Webb said significant questions about Tasmanians’ personal information  deserve attention, including:

• What constraints, if any, are there on the use of the personal contact information that has been collected by venues/private businesses?
• Are the private businesses themselves able to use this information for purposes other than the COVID-19 tracking and tracing function for which it was originally collected, e.g. for their own marketing or promotional purposes?
• Are the businesses able to sell or otherwise share with third parties the personal contact information collected?
• What are the current requirements on the private businesses to document or communicate with customers/patrons about possible additional use or sharing of the personal contact information at the time that it is collected?

“If a Tasmanian citizen had a complaint in regards to the collection, storage or use of their personal contact information which had been collected by a Tasmanian private business in relation to COVID-19 contact tracking and tracing, to whom should that complaint be directed?

 

“What compliance or enforcement measures would be available in response to a complaint?”

Ms Webb said perhaps the most straightforward solution is for Government to draft a template and distribute it to businesses for use in the collection of personal information for COVID-19 purposes.

“The template would be uniform across all businesses – adding a sense of confidence to the community that the collection is being done properly – with a consistent statement on how the information will be stored and used.

 

“I regard the protection of Tasmanians’ personal information and privacy as a matter of high importance.

 

“Clear rules and accountability in relation to this will ensure a high level of confidence and trust in the community which will in turn increase compliance and support of these important COVID-19 response measures.”

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