We knew it was coming, but it’s actually already here. It’s happening right under our noses…but we’re on it now!
Today, I went through these steps myself and deleted as much of my data as possible from MyGov and the ATO. I also put in an FOI (Freedom of Request) demanding any documents or digital data they have on me to be destroyed or sent to me.
We have an opportunity to get on the front foot before it’s too late. A lot of things they are doing now still require our consent. However, they have explicitly stated they are waiting for future legislation to be passed so they can do more with the digital ID.
Disclaimer – viewers must approach these suggestions in relation to their own personal circumstances. Not everyone can delete their accounts and/or apps if it’s the only way for them to access Centrelink, the pension, or other services. The government should supply an alternative method for these things, but we aren’t sure if that is an option. Do your own independent research to ensure it fits your personal situation.
So let’s do whatever we can NOW to protect our data privacy.
Step 1 – DELETE both apps if you have them; MyGovID and ATO
Step 2 – If you know your login details, sign in and select Account settings, then select Close account. Read more. If you don’t know your login details, Call 132 307. Choose option 1 > 1 again > then 3. Wait on hold, it might take 10-20 mins.
Step 3 – Tell them you’ve changed your phone number and can’t get the verification code.
Step 4 – The operator will tell you they have to delete your account and you have to create a new one.
This is what I wrote if it helps you…I also pasted it into the body of the email when I sent the FOI.
I request that you send me ANY documents you have under my person (write your full legal name), and my previous or current businesses (write name/s of businesses).
I require confirmation that you have destroyed all digital data of mine from all your systems, including any partner or affiliate systems. I have also emailed digitalidentity@ato.gov.au asking the same thing. These include, but are not limited to, ID documents such as my passport, driver’s license (or any other license), medicare card, ID cards of any kind, payment cards (credit cards and bank cards), all bank account information, and any biometric data. I have read (https://www.mygovid.gov.au/mygovid-privacy-policy#Biometricmatching) that everything you keep or share of mine must be done WITH MY CONSENT.
I hereby withdraw any previous consent I may have given you to hold, use or share any of my data.
It is now officially on record that I do not consent to you having access to ANY data of mine.
Thank you.
Step 7 – Forward the same email to digitalidentity@ato.gov.au. I wrote in the body of the email…“I wanted to forward this to your department as well so it is on record”
