Watchdog revises privacy guidelines

Rachael Ng

The city's privacy watchdog has released a revised compliance guide to assist organizations in meeting the requirements for collecting and handling ID card numbers, copies and other personal identifiers.

"Various industries may need to collect ID card numbers or copies from the public for identity verification or security purposes in their service provision," said Privacy Commissioner Ada Chung Lai-ling.

"To aid compliance with regulatory requirements and enhance public understanding of when organizations can or must collect ID card information, the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data has published this new guide," said Chung.

"This effort aims to increase public vigilance in safeguarding personal data privacy and reduce the risk of fraud," she added.

Additionally, a revised information leaflet has been created for people, offering guidance on how to protect personal data across various everyday scenarios.

These scenarios include the collection of ID card copies by banks, insurance companies, and estate agents in compliance with statutory requirements.

People are cautioned that prospective employers should not request ID card copies before employment, and security personnel in buildings should collect information based on the purpose of the visit.

Moreover, ID card information should not be collected if the activities within a building are feasible without it, the watchdog added.

The leaflet also details the complaint process for people seeking assistance against unreasonable collection of personal information.