INTRODUCTION

The Code of Practice on the Identity Card Number and Other Personal Identifiers ("the Code") has been issued by the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data under the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance ("the Ordinance"). The Code provides guidance on the appropriate handling of personal identifiers in general and Identity Card Numbers ("ID card numbers") and copies in particular.

A "personal identifier" is usually a series of numbers or letters, such as a passport number or staff card number, that uniquely identifies an individual. By far the most commonly used personal identifier in Hong Kong is the ID card number.

ID card numbers are commonly collected and used by organisations* to identify individuals and manage records relating to them. Copies of ID cards ("ID card copies") are often collected by organisations for use as evidence of their dealings with the individuals concerned. However, the indiscriminate collection and improper handling of ID card numbers and copies may unduly infringe the privacy of the individual, besides creating opportunities for fraud.

All the requirements of the Code take effect on 19 June 1998, except the requirement not to issue cards bearing the holder's ID card number (see situation 10 below).

The purpose of this booklet is to tell you whether a situation you encounter involving your ID card number or copy is covered by the Code, and how you can make use of the Code to protect your privacy interests in such situations.

* In this Guide, the term "organisation" is used to mean "data user" as defined under the Ordinance, which in summary is a person (including companies or Government departments) that controls the collection, holding, processing or use of personal data.

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