Negotiating the OECD Guidelines - An Interview of Mr Michael Kirby

On 27 September 2024, the Hon. Michael Kirby recorded an interview on the history of the development of data protection laws and policies.  Between 1978-80 he chaired an OECD Expert Group on Transborder Data Barriers and the Protection of Privacy.  That group produced the OECD Guidelines on privacy.  Those guidelines continue to influence national and international law.  For example, the Australian Privacy Principles, included in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) contains those principles.  They have not been altered by the OECD, despite many great advances in information technology.

In the interview with Gloria Gonzalez Fuster, Research Professor at Law, Science, Technology and Society Research Group, Michael Kirby explains his participation in the OECD Expert Group, his election as Chair; and the way the OECD Guidelines were developed; and issues that arise for the future of the Guidelines.