The Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Patrick Nip, today (September 5) visited the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) and was briefed on the latest work of the PCPD. He encouraged staff of the office to continue to act as a gatekeeper in safeguarding the personal data privacy of the public.
 
     At a meeting with the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, Mr Stephen Wong, and the PCPD's division heads, Mr Nip said, "The Government attaches great importance to protecting the personal data of the public. Over the years, the PCPD has endeavoured to build up a culture of respecting privacy through different publicity and education programmes, and has provided assistance to various sectors in complying with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance as well as monitored their compliance. We will continue our support for the PCPD's work and will ensure that sufficient resources are provided to the PCPD for the effective performance of its duties."
 
     Mr Nip learned that the PCPD had, in the wake of the development of technology and the changes in business operation, published various codes of practice, information leaflets and books to enhance the public's understanding of the effective ways to protect personal data, as well as to educate different industries and organisations to understand and comply with the Ordinance.
 
     He pointed out that with the rapid advancement of communications technology, many organisations had adopted cloud storage and big data technology to handle personal data, making privacy protection a more complex issue. Mr Nip said he hoped that the PCPD would keep monitoring the development of personal data protection in other jurisdictions so that it can update the relevant guidelines and provide advice to the Government in a timely manner.
 
     Mr Nip also toured the PCPD's office and met with staff members from different divisions to learn about the problems and challenges they have met at work.
 
     He said he was glad to learn that the PCPD supported establishing a breastfeeding-friendly workplace and was one of the winners in the Most Breastfeed-caring Corporate Award in a contest organised by the Hong Kong Breastfeeding Mothers' Association.
 
      Mr Nip recognised the PCPD's efforts and achievements in safeguarding the personal data privacy of the public. He also encouraged the PCPD to continue to provide professional advice and perform its supervisory role to ensure that the privacy protection regime in Hong Kong will keep improving and move with the times.
 

Ends/Tuesday, September 5, 2017
Issued at HKT 18:38

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