Australian Recording Industry Association Privacy Policy

The Australian Recording Industry Association Limited (ARIA) respects the privacy of the individuals we deal with. In our handling of personally identifiable information about individuals, we comply with the requirements of the National Privacy Principles (NPPs) in the Federal Privacy Act 1988.

This Privacy Policy describes the types of personal information we collect and explains how we hold, use and disclose that information. The Policy also explains how you can gain access to the personal information we hold about you.

  1. What personal information does ARIA collect?
  2. How does ARIA use personal information?
  3. Who does ARIA usually disclose personal information to?
  4. Storage, security and destruction of personal information
  5. Online privacy issues
  6. How do I access and correct my personal information?
  7. How do I contact ARIA?

1. What personal information does ARIA collect?

We only collect personal information that we need for one or more of our business activities.

Most of the personal information ARIA collects relates to individuals in their business or professional capacities, so we only collect this information as an incident of a business relationship with an individual or the organisation they work for. Some examples of this sort of information include:

  • contact details for the people we deal with at the various ARIA member companies;
  • details of artists and their recordings, which we use to compile the ARIA charts;
  • contact details for the people we deal with at other organisations with which ARIA has business relationships, such as music retailers, industry or trade associations, media organisations, government authorities and suppliers of goods and services; and
  • information provided to us by the people and organisations ARIA licenses to make and distribute reproductions of sound recordings.

Occasionally, we may collect personal information about individuals in their private capacities, for example where an individual:

  • subscribes to receive the ARIA charts;
  • makes an inquiry (eg. by email or telephone); or
  • makes a complaint about warning stickers on CDs.

In most cases, the primary purpose for which we need personal information will be apparent from the context in which we collect it. If this is not the case, we will take steps to specify our purpose(s) at, or as soon as possible after, the time of collection.

ARIA usually does not need to collect any sensitive information (such as information about racial or ethnic origin, political activities or affiliations, memberships of unions or other associations, religion, sexual preferences or practices, criminal record or medical history). If we do collect or hold such information, we will only do so strictly in accordance with the NPPs in the Privacy Act.

2. How does ARIA use personal information?

Generally, we only use personal information for the primary purpose for which we have collected it, or for closely related business purposes. We may also use personal information to send you information about our activities, or about goods or services that we believe may be relevant or useful to you. If at any time you do not wish to receive such information, please let us know by contacting our Privacy Officer (see section 7 below).

In other respects, we will only use personal information with your consent, or if we are required or permitted by law to do so (eg. under the NPPs in the Privacy Act).

3. Who does ARIA usually disclose personal information to?

ARIA generally only discloses personal information to other persons or organisations for the primary purpose for which we have collected it, or with your consent (which may be explicit, or may be implied from your conduct or from the circumstances in which the information is collected). We may also disclose personal information if we are required or permitted by law to do so (eg. under the NPPs in the Privacy Act).

The following sections describe some of the organisations, or types of organisations, to which ARIA usually discloses personal information. Wherever personal information is disclosed outside of ARIA, we take reasonable steps to ensure that the recipient:

  • handles that information in accordance with the NPPs in the Privacy Act;
  • only uses the information for the specific purpose(s) for which it is provided to them;
  • does not disclose the information to any person or organisation except in accordance with directions from ARIA; and
  • stores the information securely, and either destroys it or returns it to ARIA when it is no longer needed.

3.1 Disclosures to PPCA

The Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA) is closely affiliated with ARIA. PPCA is a non-profit organisation established by Australian record companies to issue licences for the broadcasting and public performance of sound recordings and music videos. Under longstanding arrangements between our organisations:

  • certain PPCA staff are able to access the ARIA recordings database, for the purposes of allocating and distributing to copyright owners and artists the revenue PPCA earns from its licensing activities;
  • ARIA passes on to PPCA certain information we obtain from individuals and organisations who are licensed by ARIA to reproduce sound recordings. PPCA uses this information to determine whether a licence may be required for the public use of sound recordings; and
  • ARIA provides to PPCA on a regular basis its database of public domain contact details for industry and trade associations.

3.2 Disclosures to contractors and service providers

Occasionally, ARIA has to rely on third party contractors to provide services or perform functions on our behalf, and this may involve a disclosure of personal information by ARIA to that third party. While these vary from time to time, they may include:

  • organisations that provide communication services on our behalf (eg. faxstream);
  • debt collection agencies; and
  • information technology service providers.

3.3 Other disclosures

When a record company or other qualified person applies to become a member of ARIA, their application (including any personal information contained in it) is considered by the ARIA Board, which is made up of representatives of several of the major record companies.

When a person or organisation applies for an ARIA reproduction licence, that application (including any personal information contained in it) is disclosed to representatives of the major record companies. We may also disclose to ARIA member companies information about a person or organisation that is reproducing sound recordings in order to verify a claim that they have already obtained a reproduction licence from those companies.

From time to time, ARIA may disclose public domain personal information to other organisations in response to requests. In particular, we may disclose the names and contact details of our record company members, for inclusion in industry directories or similar publications.

4. Storage, security and destruction of personal information

ARIA takes reasonable steps to ensure that the personal information we hold is protected from risks such as loss or unauthorised access, destruction, use, modification or disclosure. We only allow authorised personnel to access personal information, and it is a condition of employment with ARIA that our employees maintain the confidentiality of all information to which they have access.

We only retain personal information for as long as it is needed by us, or for as long as we are legally required to retain the information. When we are no longer required to retain personal information, we ensure that it is disposed of or destroyed in a secure fashion in accordance with our obligations under the NPPs in the Privacy Act.

5. Online privacy issues

ARIA generally does not collect personal information about individuals who browse our website (eg. through the use of cookies or tracking technologies that identify individuals).

However, this Policy applies to any personal information you choose to provide to us online, for example if you fill out a form on our website or send us an email.

For your convenience, our website may contain links to other websites operated by third parties. You should be aware that when you access a third party website, we are not responsible for the privacy practices and policies of that site.

We suggest that you review the privacy policy for each website you visit, especially if you intend to provide any personal information via that site.

6. How do I access and correct my personal information?

Under the Privacy Act, you generally have a right to seek access to the personal information that ARIA holds about you, although there are some circumstances in which we may be required or permitted by law to withhold access to some or all of that information. You also have the right to ask us to correct personal information about you that you believe is inaccurate, incomplete or out of date.

If you wish to exercise these rights, we ask that you make a request in writing to our Privacy Officer (see section 7 below). You will need to provide some form of identification (eg. a copy of your driver's licence or passport) so we can verify that you are the individual to whom the personal information relates. You should also include details of how we can contact you in case we need to discuss your request.

7. How do I contact ARIA?

If you have any questions or comments about this Policy, or if you wish to access your personal information or make a complaint about our handling of that information, please contact our Privacy Officer by one of the following methods:

  • By telephone: (during business hours) 02 8569 1144
  • By fax: 02 8569 1181
  • By email: privacy.mail@aria.com.au
  • By post:
    The Privacy Officer
    ARIA
    PO Box Q20
    QVB POST OFFICE NSW 1230

This Policy was last updated on 10 April 2002.