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Media Statement - Privacy Commissioners Office Signs MoU with its PhilippinesCounterpart to Foster Closer Collaboration and Cooperation in Personal Data Privacy Protection

Date: 22 May 2023

Privacy Commissioner’s Office Signs MoU with its Philippines
Counterpart
to Foster Closer Collaboration and
Cooperation in Personal Data Privacy Protection

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, Hong Kong, China and the National Privacy Commission of the Philippines today executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their ties and foster closer cooperation in the protection of personal data privacy.

The MoU was signed on the sidelines of a meeting in Hong Kong between the two regulatory authorities.
 
Under the MoU, the scope of collaboration includes the sharing of information involving potential or on-going investigations or any other enforcement actions, providing mutual assistance in joint investigations into cross border personal data incidents or breaches, and collaboration in training and education on current and emerging data protection issues. The MoU forms the basis of a closer relationship between the two authorities in matters of mutual regulatory interest. 
 
Hong Kong’s Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, Ms Ada CHUNG Lai-ling, 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.”
 
The Philippines’ Privacy Commissioner, Atty. John Henry D. Naga, said, “The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding between the Philippines’ National Privacy Commission and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data of Hong Kong reaffirms both authorities’ 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.”
 
Privacy Commissioner Naga added that, “The Philippine National Privacy Commission is confident that this MoU between the Philippines and Hong Kong will serve as a cornerstone for enhanced cooperation, benefiting our citizens, businesses, and governments alike. By leveraging each other’s experiences and expertise, we can collectively build a sustainable and responsible digital future.”
 

Hong Kong’s Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, Ms Ada CHUNG Lai-ling (left), and the Philippines’ Privacy Commissioner, Atty John Henry Du Naga (right), executed a Memorandum of Understanding on the sidelines of a meeting in Hong Kong on 22 May 2023.
 
ISSUED BY THE OFFICE OF THE PRIVACY COMMISSIONER FOR PERSONAL DATA, HONG KONG, CHINA
 
About the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, Hong Kong (PCPD)
The PCPD is an independent body set up to oversee the implementation of and compliance with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (Cap. 486 of the Laws of Hong Kong) (PDPO) in Hong Kong. The PCPD strives to ensure the protection of the privacy of individuals in relation to personal data through monitoring and supervising compliance with the PDPO, enforcing its provisions and promoting the culture of protecting and respecting personal data. Visit PCPD.org.hk for more information.

 
About the Philippines’ National Privacy Commission (NPC)
The NPC is an independent body established to administer and implement the provisions of the Republic Act No. 10173: Data Privacy Act of 2012 (DPA) in the Philippines. Likewise, the DPA also applies extraterritorially, subject to certain conditions laid out under the law. The NPC is mandated to monitor and ensure compliance of the country with international standards set for data protection and strives to build a culture of privacy, through people empowerment, to enable the upholding of the right to privacy while supporting a free flow of information in the jurisdiction. Visit https://www.privacy.gov.ph/ for more information.
 
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