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At a meeting with representatives of the direct marketing industry today (September 10), the Government underlined its commitment to enhancing the protection of personal data privacy and at the same time expressed understanding of the needs of the industry in operating its business.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Stephen Lam, the Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Ms Julia Leung, and the Under Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Miss Adeline Wong. The representatives of the direct marketing industry were accompanied by Legislative Council member Mr Chan Kin-por and Dr Shih Tai-cho of the Savantas Policy Institute.
Mr Lam said, "The Government attaches great importance to the protection of personal data privacy. At the same time, it is committed to maintaining Hong Kong's business-friendly environment.
"The Government has reviewed the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance with the assistance of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) and conducted a public consultation exercise on the amendment proposals last year.
"We plan to put forth legislative proposals for further public discussions in the autumn of this year. In formulating the legislative proposals, we will take into account views received during the public consultation and address the public concerns arising from the recent cases of transfer of personal data for direct marketing activities. We intend to enhance protection of personal data privacy. At the same time, we will be mindful of the impact of our legislative proposals on the industries concerned, including the direct marketing industry."
At the meeting, representatives of the direct marketing industry expressed their concerns about the possible impact on the direct marketing industry, such as employment of practitioners and viability of the industry, if the regulation of the use of personal data privacy for direct marketing purposes was to be tightened as a result of the recent incidents concerning the transfer of personal data for direct marketing activities. They suggested that the PCPD should consult the stakeholders, including the financial services industry and other relevant sectors, before promulgating any new guidelines. Also, the guidelines should be within the law and carry sufficient clarity to facilitate compliance.
"The PCPD is preparing a new guidance note on the collection and use of personal data for direct marketing activities, which will replace the existing guidance note and guidelines on related matters. We will convey the concerns of the representatives to the PCPD. We also encourage the concerned sectors and the PCPD to exchange views on issues related to the guidance note," said Mr Lam.
Ends/Friday, September 10, 2010
Issued at HKT 17:46
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