2011 Microsoft Citizenship Report: Privacy and Safety

Online Privacy & Safety Chapter
The Hon. Brendan O'Connor MP
Minister for Justice, Minister for Home Affairs, Minister for Privacy and Freedom of Information

As we articulated in our Digital Economy Strategy of May 2011, the Australian Government’s goal is for our nation to be one of the world’s leading digital economies by 2020. To help meet that goal, the Government is committed to building a strong cyber-security culture, cutting-edge technological capacity, and skilled human capital to be one of the most attractive locations on the global information highway.

Cybercrime and other forms of malicious online activity pose a serious threat to the long-term prosperity of Australia’s digital economy. Hacking incidents around the globe have reinforced the importance of protecting online information and challenge traditional notions of privacy, identity, and social responsibility in a virtual world.

It is a responsibility of the government – but also of individuals and businesses – to face up to these new challenges and try to stay one step ahead of those who might seek to harm us. Microsoft is engaging in this challenge and I encourage their continued engagement in this field.

As part of the wider initiatives undertaken by the Government, the Australian Federal Police in collaboration with Microsoft and ninemsn established ThinkUKnow to provide interactive training that educates and increases awareness among parents, teachers, caregivers and young people about the risks our young people face online and how to create a safer online experience. ThinkUKnow is a great example of how partnerships between government and industry can help create responsible and well-informed cyber citizens, protect privacy, and increase security in cyberspace.