Why should you focus on data privacy protection???

I would like to share local and international news with you that I collected over the last two weeks covering disturbing trends around us. I am convinced that you and your company do not want to be caught in expensive data breaches and reputation losses.

Hacking insurance to cover mobile payment operators

Services frequently lack guarantees to compensate victimized users. Other companies are increasingly looking at insurance to cover potential financial issues due to data privacy breaches. Such insurance is available in the Philippines.

Are safety videos no longer

about keeping you safe?

Cathay Pacific has admitted using CCTV cameras to record and retain information on their passengers' behavior which includes use of in-flight entertainment systems - images recorded by seatback cameras, customers' activities at airport terminals, lounges, and aircraft.

Under the GDPR/ DPA, the processing of data shall be limited for a specific and declared purpose only. Collection of personal information shall not be excessive in relation to the purpose.

Google to pay millions in fines over children’s privacy issues at YouTube Regulators fined the internet giant a record $170 million for knowingly and illegally violating children’s privacy on YouTube by harvesting and using their personal information to target them with ads.

Businesses scramble to meet data-privacy deadline

The California Consumer Privacy Act was designed to make tech giants more transparent about how they handle consumer data – and now companies from Starbucks to the Gap also are racing to comply.

I expect this to happen in the Philippines too, as the National Privacy Commission tightens the implementation of the local Data Privacy Act.

National Privacy Commission on alert vs invasive ‘creepy’ android app package

The NPC is currently conducting ‘privacy sweeps’ on company mobile apps and websites by sector. This is anchored on transparency checks whether companies are being transparent in telling how they use personal data.

Data security a major concern to PH consumers

Data security attacks remain a top concern for Filipinos, many of whom respond to data breaches with lawsuits and social media exposes, the latest Unisys Security Index showed.

The survey, conducted from Feb. 27 to March 22 this year, noted that Philippine consumers recorded the “highest level of concern” about security issues.

They topped those in 12 other countries: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Germany, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Now some good news: MOU on Data Privacy Protection

The Philippine National Privacy Commission and the Personal Data Protection Commission of Singapore signed an MOU on cooperation in personal data protection. They have agreed to share best practices in data protection and to combine efforts in cross-border data flow, such as the APEC Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CBPR).

APEC Cross-Border

Privacy Rules (APEC CBPR)

The Philippines is set to join the APEC CBPR system this year after the government applied in a memo signed by Secretaries Honasan (DICT) and Lopez (DTI), and National Privacy Commission Chair Liboro.

The APEC CBPR is a system that gives companies flexibility to adjust their privacy policies to suit their business needs while providing assurance that international standards and laws are met.

Adopting this framework for companies in the Philippines is crucial, given the growing ‘free flow of data’ in e-commerce, fintech and the BPM sectors.

As compliance is such a strategic issue it deserves top management’s utmost and undivided attention, and willingness to make resources, like automation tools, available. If you need assistance, contact me at [email protected]