The Australian Computer Society has unveiled its third major publication for 2017 at the ACS Digital Economy breakfast in Sydney.

The Data Sharing Frameworks technical white paper addresses the challenges for ICT professionals when it comes to data sharing, including data security, privacy and legal obligations.

Speaking at the launch of the report, Treasurer of Australia, the Hon Scott Morrison, spoke of the need for government to assess these same challenges when creating the frameworks for Australian businesses, saying we now live “in a world where data is everywhere and everything.”

The report was compiled by the ACS Data Sharing Taskforce, which was put together last year with the objective of developing data frameworks that address the challenges associated with data sharing, and allow data to be shared safely within an operational environment.

Leading the taskforce was NSW Chief Data Scientist and CEO of NSW Data Analytics Centre, Dr Ian Oppermann.

“There’s a complex challenge underpinning data sharing that crosses technical, social and ethical boundaries in making data available to be shared while maintaining the privacy of the individual,” Oppermann said.

“This white paper is an important first step to opening and driving the conversation, and developing a framework that can be used by business and government for the benefit of all Australians.”

Alongside this, the report also identified challenges for continued investigation, including the need to forge trust and clarification in future regulations.

Also launching the report was ACS President Anthony Wong who spoke of the importance of the paper in securing Australia’s digital future.

“This is a pivotal discussion paper in response to the establishment of the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into data availability and use in 2016 by Treasurer Morrison,” he said.

“Data sharing is becoming a critical business and government function that can enable improved service delivery or entirely new products, but it must not come at the cost to privacy.”

Also launching the paper was NSW Minister for Finance, the Hon Victor Dominello.