Raymund E. Liboro
The Global Privacy Assembly (GPA) has launched a COVID-19 Taskforce to drive practical responses to privacy issues emerging from the pandemic, as well as to assist its membership with insight and best practices. The GPA has been the premier global forum for data protection and privacy authorities since 1979.
The creation of the taskforce was brought about as countries begin to ease their Coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, data protection, and privacy authorities across the globe are faced with the fundamental question on how can we enable governments' responses to the pandemic and subsequent recovery whilst continuing to protect citizens' personal data and privacy?
No less than our National Privacy Commission's (NPC) Raymund Liboro was selected to chair the GPA COVID-19 Taskforce. Liboro is the current Commissioner of the NPC and GPA's Executive Committee member.
"We have seen that personal data and technology have become essential in helping governments respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. From contact tracing and location tracking applications to COVID-19 testing as people start going back to the workplace, data protection and privacy have never been more important," according to Liboro.
"Our aim for this taskforce is to examine current privacy concerns while finding the right balance between supporting innovation to combat the pandemic and ensuring people’s personal data and information rights are respected. We will draw on the expertise of our membership and stakeholders to provide useful insight on common challenges," Liboro added.
The GPA COVID-19 Taskforce first met last 26 May 2020, coinciding with Privacy Awareness Week in the Asia-Pacific region. At present, it is representing more than 30 organizations across all global regions.
During its first meeting, the discussion revolved around the most strategic and pressing privacy issues that will require an in-depth examination over the next few months. Members agreed on an initial work plan, with a view to communicate regularly on progress and information on initiatives to the GPA membership community and wider audience.