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Personal data law implementation
Following is a question by the Hon Ip Kwok-him and a written reply by the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Michael Suen, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
Since the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance will come into effect shortly, will the Government inform this Council:
Reply:
(a)
how the Ordinance will be implemented by government departments;
(b)
(c)
Mr President:
(a)
what measures it will adopt before the Ordinance comes into effect to assist private and public organisations in observing the Ordinance: and
whether the existing land search procedure in the Land Registry will contravene the Ordinance; if so, what measures the relevant authorities will take to address this problem?
Since 1988, data users in both the public and private sectors have been invited to comply with the Government issued Data Protection Principles and Guidelines. The Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (the Ordinance) is based on these data protection principles. Hence, Government departments should already be familiar with the basic requirements in this area. Following enactment of the Ordinance last year, all Policy Secretaries and Heads of Departments were asked to prepare for compliance with its provisions. Home Affairs Branch has been assisting departments and branches to do this through the provision of direct advice, briefings, a government-wide seminar for officers directly involved in the work concerned and the distribution of guidance materials details are given in part (b) below.
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