Data Protection Laws in Hong Kong
In today’s digital economy, data is becoming increasingly central to business. It’s the new “capital” that powers businesses and enables them to create more efficient products and services. For example, a car maker cannot manufacture autonomous cars without the necessary data to feed the onboard systems. This is why data management practices have become essential for any organization.
To keep up with the pace of innovation, the Hong Kong government is working to improve data protection laws. These changes will ensure that companies are transparent about how they collect and use personal information. The aim is to protect consumers and encourage economic growth. However, some experts worry that these changes could have unintended consequences. For example, they could restrict researchers’ ability to study trends in medical data, which could lead to better treatments for diseases. In addition, they could limit the sharing of personal health data between doctors, which could lead to a higher risk of errors and poorer patient care.
The PDPO defines personal data as information relating directly or indirectly to an individual from which it is practicable for the individual to be identified. This includes identifying data, contact details and location information. However, it does not include information about legal entities. The law also stipulates that personal data may be collected only for a lawful purpose and should not be excessive in relation to that purpose. Moreover, the data user must take appropriate measures to prevent unauthorised access, processing, erasure or loss of personal data and to keep it for no longer than is necessary for the purpose for which it is collected.
Moreover, the PDPO requires a data user to take reasonable and practical steps to ensure that the personal data it processes is accurate and up-to-date. It is also required to keep records of the processing of personal data and make them available upon request. In addition, a data user must also delete personal data that is no longer necessary for the purposes for which it was collected.
Finally, the PDPO requires a data use to inform individuals of the purpose and identity of the person for which it is collecting their personal data. This must be done in a way that is clear and easily understandable. The information must also be updated if it is inaccurate or out-of-date. The law also prohibits the use of personal data for any purpose other than that for which it was collected.
As the world becomes more digitized, people are concerned about the impact on their privacy. These concerns have prompted governments around the world to introduce legislation to protect personal information. Among these laws is the Data Protection Ordinance in Hong Kong. This law applies to anyone who controls or processes personal data in Hong Kong, even if the data is processed outside of the territory. The law protects against unauthorized access, processing, or deletion of personal data, and it provides penalties for those who violate the rules.