Hong Kong companies’ privacy awareness rises, strengthening training and enhancing protections.
宜向員工提供及時知識 設專門職位。 The importance of providing training to employees on Privacy Law updates and developments and appointing an appropriate officer.
Synopsis in English
Carmen Tang, partner at Hugill & Ip, explains the rising awareness on data privacy. One key reason is the pandemic which has led to a wide work-from-home practice across the board. With the increased usage of online transactions and services, privacy security becomes at risk. Taking legal industry as an example, Tang said that work-from-home had never been on the radar but was then put into execution last year which involved planning for arranging personal and confidential information for work.
Tang mentioned that there were two hot topics on data privacy. First, issues stemmed from work-from-home practice. Second, the increasing reliance on internet where the public deems harmless to disclose their personal information. This, however, leaves their digital footprint and easier track for their identities.
Tang explains that GDPR encourages enterprises to improve their information processing work. Comparing Hong Kong’s current Privacy Ordinance with GDPR, Tang highlights that Hong Kong does not have compulsory notification mechanism in place when data leak incident occurs. However, she believes that Hong Kong will refine its privacy law soon. She points out that most Hong Kong enterprises agree that privacy protection is the trend and are seeking professional opinions on this aspect.
Tang suggests corporates to educate new employees on privacy policy. All employees should also be informed of new policies in place. Moreover, she points out that some corporates have made new openings in processing private information because of GDPR. As some European organizations would require employees in these departments to possess related qualifications, where courses related to privacy protection are also available. Tang suggests Hong Kong enterprises to take similar approaches.
Originally published by Hong Kong Economic Times by Jim Chow. All rights reserved.
