ACMA finds Ten breached privacy rules by identifying man who refused a DNA test

September 30, 2015 12:06

Ten Eyewitness News breached the privacy of a man who refused to give a DNA sample to police, the media watchdog has ruled.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) found the news show breached conditions in a segment that went to air on April 15 concerning the bashing of an elderly woman, which reported on a police request to men living in the neighbouring area to voluntarily provide DNA samples.

The report included visual images images of one man who had chosen not to provide a DNA sample with the ACMA finding it could have been inferred that he was a suspect in the assault and that the broadcast breached the television codes of practice.

According to the ACMA statement Ten had acknowledged that the report incorrectly represented that the complainant had declined to provide a DNA sample to police and that it also breached its privacy obligations.

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Nic Christensen

Nic Christensen worked for Mumbrella from 2013 to 2016, in roles including deputy editor and media & technology editor. He is former media writer for The Australian and has also worked as a reporter for The Daily Telegraph and senior producer for Radio 2GB.

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