The National Privacy Commission (NPC) and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data of Hong Kong (PCPD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen collaboration and cooperation on personal data protection.
Privacy Commissioner Atty. John Henry D. Naga of NPC and Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data Ada CHUNG Lai-ling of PCPD signed the MOU Monday, May 22, 2023, at PCPD Headquarters in Hong Kong, China.
Naga emphasized the significance of the MOU and expressed enthusiasm on this collaborative journey.
“This Memorandum of Understanding reaffirms both jurisdictions’ firm belief that robust data governance is essential to protect data subjects’ privacy rights, ensure trust in digital services, and harness the transformative potential of data for social and economic progress. The MOU reflects our commitment to jointly address the challenges posed by the digital landscape and to foster a secure, inclusive, and data-driven future,” Naga said a statement.
According to Naga, the MOU aims to enhance data privacy and protection measures through mutual support, knowledge sharing, and joint initiatives. “Through this MOU, the NPC is ensuring that through its cooperation with other jurisdictions, it leverage its mandate and build a sustainable and responsible digital future for the Filipinos,” Naga added.
Hong Kong’s Privacy Commissioner, Ms. Ada CHUNG Lai-ling, highlighted the importance of executing the MOU and looked forward to embarking on this new chapter of collaboration.
She said “The signing of the MOU between the two authorities shows our joint commitment and dedication in safeguarding personal data privacy of citizens in our respective jurisdictions. I believe that the enhanced collaborative efforts of both authorities would facilitate the growth and development of digital economies in both jurisdictions while safeguarding personal data privacy. Going forward, I am confident that the two authorities can share their expertise and experience in areas of mutual interests amidst rapid technological developments in both jurisdictions.”
Scope of collaboration The scope of this MOU extends to various aspects of personal data protection, focusing on mutual cooperation while adhering with their respective domestic laws and regulations. Furthermore, the NPC and PCPD shall engage in joint efforts to promote personal data protection within their regions and beyond.
This collaboration also includes the provision of mutual assistance to facilitate investigations in the respective jurisdictions concerning potential contraventions of both countries’ privacy and data protection legislation.
Additionally, both organizations will coordinate and provide mutual assistance in joint investigations into cross-border personal data incidents or breaches, subject to the foreign relations laws of both countries.
The NPC and PCPD shall actively engage in knowledge sharing, training, and education on current and emerging privacy and data protection issues and trends. They shall explore or identify suitable organizations from both jurisdictions to participate in a cross-jurisdictional sandbox to test-bed innovative data sharing cases.