NPC looking into DFA data breach

MANILA, Philippines — The National Privacy Commission (NPC) is looking into the data leak in the online passport tracking system of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Roren Chin, who heads the NPC public information and assistance division, said the commission has received information on the alleged breach last Nov. 9.

“We already conducted an initial investigation,” Chin said.

She said the NPC has yet to receive any breach notification from the DFA.

On Wednesday, the DFA said it took down its online passport tracker and all its data sources after it was made aware of a data privacy issue on the system.

Launched last Sept.11, the online passport tracker is a platform allowing applicants to see the status of their passport application.

The DFA said its information technology unit is investigating the matter.

The DFA said measures are also being undertaken to secure the data of thousands of passport applicants that may have been exposed.

An internal audit will also be conducted to prevent similar incidents in the future, according to the DFA.

“The Office of Consular Affairs is working with the NPC in resolving this issue,” the DFA said.