(31 July 2015) The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (the “PCPD”) released today a revised Information Leaflet on “Protect Privacy by Smart Use of Smartphones” (“Information Leaflet”) to help smartphone users minimise the personal data privacy risks associated with use of smartphones.
PCPD’s recent survey of public attitudes on personal data privacy1 revealed that an overwhelming majority (87%) of respondents used a smartphone of whom 95% had an instant messaging app installed.
The Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, Mr Allan Chiang commented, “The usefulness and pervasiveness of smartphones in Hong Kong need no emphasis. It has been reported2 that a tipping point was reached last year when the average person spent more time on his smartphone than on his computer. Further reports3 have predicted that, in the not-too-distant future, the only device an average person would use as a computer is smartphone.”
Against this background, the PCPD has revised the Information Leaflet it issued in 2012 to take into account the latest technology development and usage of smartphones. For example, updated advice is introduced on the more wide-spread use of public free Wi-Fi hotspots and charging facilities, and the use of apps in preference to browsers. The revised leaflet should be a useful handy reference for all smartphone users.”
The new Information Leaflet covers:
The Information Leaflet can be downloaded from the website of the PCPD (www.pcpd.org.hk/english/resources_centre/publications/files/leaflet_smartphones_e.pdf) or obtained from the PCPD office (12/F, Sunlight Tower, 248 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong).
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1 Full survey report can be downloaded from: www.pcpd.org.hk/english/resources_centre/publications/surveys/files/baselinesurvey2014.pdf
2 http://searchenginewatch.com/sew/opinion/2353616/mobile-now-exceeds-pc-the-biggest-shift-since-the-internet-began
3 http://www.wired.com/2015/02/smartphone-only-computer/