This thesis is an exploration of privacy as it relates to the Internet in general, and e-mail communication in particular. It looks at the philosophy of privacy and tracks the privacy debate in both an academic and legal framework. It examines the Australian Privacy Act of 1988 and similar legislation overseas. Current government approaches to privacy and privacy regulation are also examined providing a legislative/political context for the research. The fieldwork component of the thesis attempts to unravel individual perceptions of privacy. It overlays those perceptions of privacy with an examination of the effects of Internet technology on a conceptual understanding of privacy. There is no doubt that the discussion of privacy and the electronic age is extensive but discussion with individuals about their place in the debate and, indeed, the legislation is yet to be tackled in an extensive manner. Until we mesh the views of individuals in the community about their place in the new communications technology and privacy debate, we will not reap the full benefits of advances in communications technology. Consumers will remain reluctant about and suspicious of breaches of their privacy via the Internet.