OGCIO firmly follows up on fraudulent "LeaveHomeSafe" websites and mobile apps
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     The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) said today (February 20) that the situation of fraudulent "LeaveHomeSafe" mobile app is running rampant. Making or using those fraudulent apps may breach relevant laws and the OGCIO has referred all suspected fraudulent websites and mobile apps to the Police for follow up.
      
     The OGCIO reminded members of the public once again that visiting or downloading websites or mobile apps from doubtful origin pose risks to cyber security and privacy. Public should adopt proper information security measures and must not defy the law.  
      
     The OGCIO will continue its explanatory work on the "LeaveHomeSafe" mobile app and members of the public should discern fact from fiction and not to believe in fake and false information. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data also issued a press release (www.pcpd.org.hk/english/news_events/media_statements/press_20210219.html) yesterday (February 19) and confirmed that the "LeaveHomeSafe" mobile app is in compliance with relevant requirements of Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.
      
     The "LeaveHomeSafe" mobile app does not require registration for use. The app does not have a tracking function, and venue check-in data will not be uploaded or transferred to the Government or any other systems. Such data are saved on users' mobile phones only. Matching of users' check-in data and the issuing of health alerts will only be carried out within the app. Users' whereabouts will not be disclosed to others. The app does not pose a risk to privacy. Given that the app has undergone and passed security risk assessment and auditing as well as privacy impact assessment conducted by independent third parties to ensure its compliance with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance, members of the public can feel at ease when using the app.

Ends/Saturday, February 20, 2021
Issued at HKT 20:00

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