The Australian Greens have successfully secured a Senate inquiry into online privacy in Australia, following recent concerns over privacy breaches and plans by the Commonwealth to force Internet Service Providers to store web browsing histories of all Australian internet users.

The inquiry will examine online privacy protection and data collection on social networking sites, as well as the data collection activities of private companies and Government agencies.

"Recent events have proven that Australians face a multitude of challenges in protecting their privacy online: whether it be social networking sites and search engines harvesting personal data to sell to advertisers, or Government agencies snooping for their own obscure purposes," said Australian Greens communications spokesperson Senator Scott Ludlam.

"Most recently, the Government is investigating options to compel ISPs to collect the web browsing history of all Australians, for purposes which are not at all clear.

"It is time the Parliament took a proper look at the degree to which the privacy of Australians online is being eroded by Governments and corporations alike.

The terms of reference for the inquiry are:

That the Senate Standing Committee on Environment, Communication and the Arts inquire into and report by 20 October 2010, on:

The adequacy of protections for the privacy of Australians online, with regard to:
1. Privacy protections and data collection on social networking sites
2. Data collection activities of private companies
3. Data collection activities of Government agencies
4. Other related issues

Media Contact: Fernando de Freitas 0417 174 302