Monday, July 09, 2012

Data Privacy


The Hong Kong Legislative Council has passed the Personal Data (Privacy) Amendment Bill.
Key points:
•  introduces new obligations on the use of an individual's personal data in direct marketing
•  introduces new obligations on the transfer and sale of personal data to third parties
•  empowers the Hong Kong Privacy Commissioner to provide legal assistance to individuals to seek compensation from companies/organisations if there is a breach of the Personal Data Protection Ordinance.
•  empowers the Privacy Commissioner to verify accuracy of data user returns
•  imposes heavier penalties for repeated contraventions of enforcement notices and a new penalty for repeated contravention of requirements under the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance where enforcement notices have been served
•  introduces new exemptions (e.g. processing arising from due diligence, emergency situations).

My views:
Singapore seemed to be quite slow in enacting a similar legislation.

1 comment:

  1. Singapore has some privacy laws, but they are mainly to protect the privacy of the wealthy, the well-connected and companies. Ordinary people are basically You Die Your Business. Even your NRIC number is thrown and passed everywhere like toilet paper.

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