NSW Privacy Commissioner warns privacy must keep pace with rapid Artificial Intelligence adoption
Today, the NSW Privacy Commissioner, Sonia Minutillo, launched Privacy Awareness Week NSW 2026. The week involves both public sector agencies and members of the public, with the aim of improving understanding and awareness of NSW privacy legislation, raising awareness of individuals’ privacy rights, and reminding agencies of their obligations to protect personal information.
NSW Privacy Awareness Week will be held this year from 4 – 10 May 2026, marking the sixteenth year of celebration in NSW. The 2026 theme is ‘Smart Tech, Smarter Choices – protecting yourself in the age of AI.’
NSW Privacy Commissioner, Sonia Minutillo, said, ‘This year’s theme highlights the growing role technology and artificial intelligence play in our daily lives and the importance of making informed choices to protect personal information.
‘As AI-driven technologies become more embedded across government and the community, privacy protection must remain a priority. NSW public sector agencies must ensure usage of these technologies comply with privacy laws, and must implement strong data protection measures, and encourage a culture of privacy awareness within their organisations. Being open and transparent about how personal information is handled with new technology, together with clear communication, helps build trust with the public.’
In addition, Commissioner Minutillo said, ‘Everyone in NSW has a right to have their personal information protected. If you are concerned a NSW agency has breached your privacy, you can request that the agency conduct an internal privacy review. The Privacy Commissioner has an oversight role of this review.’
With a strong focus on emerging technologies this year, the IPC will host a NSW Privacy Awareness Week event exploring privacy and AI, featuring Bill Simpson-Young, Chief Executive of the Gradient Institute to discuss responsible, ethical and privacy-conscious use of smart technologies.
Commissioner Minutillo said, ‘While AI can create opportunities to improve services, it also increases the need to know where information comes from, how it is processed and where it goes. Understanding these issues reduces the risk of personal information being used in ways that are not expected.
‘This week, I encourage agencies to continue to embed and foster a culture of privacy awareness within their organisation. To encourage staff to prioritise privacy in their work. Creating a privacy-conscious and aware culture better protects personal information in the age of AI.’
To celebrate Privacy Awareness Week NSW 2026, the IPC is releasing two new resources targeting both citizens and agencies respectively to assist their understanding of Artificial Intelligence. In addition, the IPC has also updated its resources on privacy management plans and its Privacy Complaints Handling e-learning module.
More information, including activities and resources on privacy rights in NSW, are available on the Privacy Awareness Week NSW 2026 website.
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
The Manager, Communications and Corporate Affairs on 0435 961 691 or email communications@ipc.nsw.gov.au
About the Information and Privacy Commission:
The Information and Privacy Commission NSW (IPC) is an independent integrity agency that supports the NSW Information Commissioner and the NSW Privacy Commissioner. Its vision is that privacy and access to government information are valued and protected in NSW. The Information Commissioner is the chief executive of the Commission.
About the NSW Privacy Commissioner
Ms Sonia Minutillo was appointed as the NSW Privacy Commissioner in March 2025. As Privacy Commissioner, her role includes the promotion of public awareness and understanding of privacy rights in NSW, as well as providing information, support, advice and assistance to agencies and the public.
The Privacy Commissioner administers the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (PPIP Act) and the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (HRIP Act).
About NSW privacy legislation
The Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (PPIP Act) outlines how NSW public sector agencies, including government agencies, local councils and universities, manage and protect personal information.
The Health Records Information Privacy Act 2002 (HRIP Act) promotes fair and responsible handling of health information. The HRIP Act applies to an organisation in NSW that is a health service provider or that collects, holds or uses health information. This includes both public and private sector organisations.
All NSW citizens have a right to have their personal information protected. If you are concerned a NSW agency has breached your privacy, you can request the agency to conduct an internal privacy review. The Privacy Commissioner has an oversight role in relation to the internal review.
The IPC can help citizens understand privacy laws in NSW and provide information on to protect personal information and assert their privacy rights.
For further information, visit our website at www.ipc.nsw.gov.au
