The Importance of Data Protection in Hong Kong

hk data is an important source of information for all participants in the gambling industry. This data enables them to make informed decisions about the best strategy for their games, and it also helps them to ensure that their operations are compliant with regulations. This data is collected and published by the Hong Kong Gaming Control Authority, and it is available on its official website. This data is updated on a daily basis, and it provides information about the total number of casino visitors in Hong Kong as well as the average amount spent per visit.

The Hong Kong Gaming Control Authority has long been a leader in data privacy compliance, and its enforcement activities have been one of the primary focus areas of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner. The agency has been investigating and prosecuting a variety of violations, including direct marketing practices, since the introduction of the PDPO. However, there have been fewer enforcement cases relating to this type of activity in recent years due to increased awareness of data users.

In addition to promoting open data policies, the Hong Kong government is also encouraging the private sector to leverage open data in a range of ways. This includes building a platform for sharing resources, accelerating the transformation of scientific research results and nurturing digital talent. It is hoped that this will attract global leading companies and technology pioneers to the SAR, and enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness in the digital economy.

As of 2021, the PDPO establishes data subject rights and specific obligations to data controllers, and regulates the collection, processing, holding and use of personal data through six data protection principles. In addition, the PDPO contains provisions to prevent acts of disclosing personal information without consent, which is known as “doxxing.”

The definition of ‘personal data’ in PDPO currently encompasses any information that can be used to identify an individual. However, there is a move towards the adoption of a broader definition in line with GDPR, which would potentially catch a wider range of uses. This change is mooted as part of a wider update to the PDPO, and the PCPD has issued guidance that highlights the impact of such a change.

Data users have significant and onerous obligations in relation to cross-border transfers of personal data, and there is extensive guidance on how to fulfil these obligations. Typically, these will be set out in contracts between the data user and the overseas party, either as separate agreements or schedules to the main commercial arrangement. This will be a key consideration for any business wishing to transfer personal data abroad. The PCPD has recommended a set of model clauses that can be used to achieve this. However, it is important to note that these are only advisory and do not replace the need for a contractual agreement. This is a vital step for businesses that wish to comply with the PDPO and its associated laws.