Federal Privacy Commissioner Malcolm Crompton has released guidelines for Federal government Web sites that he believes could be applied to sites operated by companies and individuals.

"Internet privacy issues, generally, have been gaining prominence recently and a number of online surveys have indicated that privacy is a major concern of net users," said Mr Crompton.

"The Guidelines advise agencies on how to address the privacy issues effecting people visiting Federal and ACT government Web sites."

While these guidelines were written with government agencies specifically in mind, the commissioner believes that the general principles can be applied to the private sector and supports any private organisation that chooses adopt those principles.

Crompton believes that privacy issues are becoming increasingly important as the Internet becomes a key medium used by the general public to keep in touch with government.