The OAIC’s Privacy Crackdown: Read on if your organisation collects, shares, analyses, or even “anonymises” customer data — whether that’s through websites, adtech, customer platforms, or AI

The Australian privacy regulator has just fired its strongest warning shot yet. If your organisation collects, shares, analyses, or even “anonymises” customer data — whether that’s through websites, adtech, customer platforms, or AI — you are now in the OAIC’s crosshairs. The message from Privacy Commissioner Carly Kind is blunt: compliance warnings are over; enforcement is here.

The Shift:This isn’t about new laws — it’s about a new enforcement mindset. The OAIC has moved from engagement to active policing. Over the next 12 months, brands, agencies, publishers, data brokers, and technology vendors will be scrutinised for:

• Pixel tracking and other hidden data collection

• Excessive collection of personal data (more than you need)

• Retention of personal data beyond its purpose

• Data sharing without clear, specific consent

• AI analysis of customer data without explicit permission

Even “first-party data” is no longer a safe harbour — if you say you’re collecting data for one reason but use it for another, you’re exposed.

Why This Matters:Under the Australian Privacy Principles, you must:

1. Collect only what’s necessary.

2. Use it only for the stated purpose (i.e. not share PI with third party pligin providers).

3. Delete it when it’s no longer needed.

Failure to do so could now lead to high-profile enforcement cases designed to set precedent — and reputations will be damaged long before the fines arrive.

The Risk Areas the OAIC Will Target:

• Marketing & Adtech: Pixel and cookie tracking, retargeting, and campaign enrichment.

• Data Brokers & Sharing: Any process where customer data leaves your environment.

• AI in Customer Insights: Using transactional or behavioural data to train models without specific consent.

• Device & Location Tracking: Apps, connected cars, IoT devices collecting more data than disclosed.

Actionable Steps to Take Now:

1. Audit Your Data Flows – Map every point of collection, processing, sharing, and retention. This can be done manually or with technology (eg. https://www.qprivacy.com/qp-audit/)

2. Review Consent Mechanisms – Ensure you’re gaining explicit consent for all uses, not relying on vague privacy policy language.

3. Minimise Data Collection – Stop collecting “just in case” data; align with the minimum necessary principle.

4. Set Retention & Deletion Rules – Purge data that’s no longer needed — especially legacy datasets used for AI training.

5. Ensure you have dynamic controls to protect PI leakage – You’re responsible for the practices of third parties that form part of your customer experience technology.

See full articale here: https://www.mi-3.com.au/31-07-2025/naughty-boys-and-girls-privacy-regulator-has-had-gutful-warnings-always-being-ignored

The OAIC has made it clear — enforcement begins now. The smartest move is to act before you’re on their radar.

Contact us to find how to protect your organisation.