What does the "Quality of personal information" in the APP require an entity to do?

The "Quality of personal information" principle outlined in the Australian Privacy Principles (APP) requires entities to take reasonable steps to ensure that the personal information they collect, hold, use, and disclose is accurate, up to date, and complete. This is vital for maintaining data integrity and ensuring that individuals’ rights are respected. Accurate and current information helps in making informed decisions and prevents issues that could arise from relying on outdated or incorrect data.

Entities are responsible for establishing processes to verify and update personal information as necessary, which involves actively managing data quality. This principle emphasizes the importance of not just collecting data, but also maintaining it in a state that is beneficial for both the entity and the individuals concerned.

In contrast, while collecting information only once, drawing from multiple sources, or retaining data indefinitely may seem beneficial or convenient in some contexts, these actions do not align with the focus on accuracy and currency that the principle demands. Therefore, ensuring that personal information is accurate and up to date is the key requirement under this principle.