Australians Want Greater Transparency and Control Over Their Data
The 2026 Australian Community Attitudes to Privacy Survey (ACAPS) has revealed growing concern among Australians about how their personal information is collected, used and managed. While 93% of Australians say protecting personal information is important, many feel they have little control over how their data is handled, with 78% reporting they have very little or no real control over the collection and use of their personal information.
The survey highlights increasing concerns around emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), with 69% identifying AI as a privacy risk and only 4% expressing trust in AI companies. Australians are calling for greater transparency, including being informed when AI is used, stronger limits on data retention, and the right to request human review of automated decisions.
The findings also reveal a significant gap between privacy rights and practical experience. Many Australians are unsure what information organisations hold about them, how to access it, or how to raise privacy concerns. More than half of respondents who had concerns in the past year chose not to take action, often because they felt it would make no difference or did not know how to proceed.
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) says the results reinforce the need for stronger information governance, transparency and accountability, particularly as organisations increasingly adopt AI and automated decision-making technologies. With new Automated Decision-Making transparency obligations coming into effect in December 2026, organisations will need to be clear about how personal information is used and how technology influences decisions that affect individuals.