Globe improves data privacy and information security of its 8,000 employees and over 80 million of its customers, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to synergize digitalization. Since transitioning to remote work set-ups, companies have put premium attention on data privacy and security within digital workplaces and among employees.
Highlighting the importance of data privacy and security across its workforce, Globe conducted a learning session for employees in early May. The forum covered two primary topics: “Data Privacy and Security in relation to the work from home set-up” and “Data Privacy in contact tracing.”
Leading the roster of speakers was Deputy Commissioner Dino Aguirre of the National Privacy Commission (NPC), who noted the importance of all stakeholders joining together to ensure the sanctity of Filipino connections. He also provided updates on the recent issuances of the NPC on data subject rights, data sharing agreements, and administrative fines.
One issue raised was data privacy in contact tracing, which has become a key concern during the pandemic. Aguirre admitted that while contact tracing is intrusive by nature, it is a necessary action to help prevent the virus from spreading.
“Any collection related to the pandemic must only be used for the purpose of contact tracing and the management of symptomatic and asymptomatic employees,” said Aguirre, who added that his organization is hoping to incentivize company compliance with an upcoming circular on administrative fines.
Also sharing his insights was Atty. John Fajardo, a former Globe employee. Now a partner at the Fajardo Law Offices, Fajardo discussed “Privacy and Security Compliance in the New Normal.”
With the workplace being extended beyond the four walls of the office, implementing data security these days means stricter control over employee activity and movement. Pulling this off is a tricky exercise that necessitates finding a balance between data privacy and employee privacy rights.
Fajardo noted that it could be done by providing sufficient notice and consent for employees who elect to work from home, using technological measures to balance quality assurance/fraud prevention and employee/third party privacy, and implementing organizational and physical controls.
Globe has also been persistent in stressing the need for transparency, accountability, and empowerment across its external engagements. During the NPC’s 4th National Data Privacy Conference with the theme “Valuing Privacy in the Time of Digital Transformation,” a three-day event held in celebration of Privacy Awareness Week towards the end of May, Globe highlighted the importance of keeping customers informed about what they can do with their data, and empower them to have control over it. It also emphasized the importance of accountability and being responsible for the security of consumer data.
“Data privacy and security is of paramount importance to Globe. We care a lot for our customers and we want to ensure that their data is safe with us, so as not to compromise their security,” said Anton Bonifacio, Globe Chief Information Security Officer.
Globe’s Data Protection Policy, for instance, defines the standards of processes for the collection, use, and protection of customer data. Globe engages with globally trusted and highly reputable implementation partners and uses world-class cybersecurity and data privacy technologies and standards to strengthen security detection and response.