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.