Hong Kong Privacy Commissioner Joins International Review of Transparency and Mobile Apps

In May 2013, the Hong Kong Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data joined the Global Privacy Enforcement Network to conduct a privacy review to evaluate the transparency in the collection and use of personal data online, with a focus on Apps.  This follows from the Privacy Commissioner’s issuance of Personal data privacy protection: What mobile apps developers and their clients should know in November 2012, an “information leaflet” providing practical guidance aimed at App developers on how to comply with the Hong Kong Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance Cap. 486.  There is clearly a rising concern among both the Privacy Commissioner and the public on the collection and use of personal data through the use of Apps by App providers, both in Hong Kong and worldwide.