Joint press release
issued by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner
for Personal Data and the Inland Revenue Department -- Privacy
Commissioner meets with the Inland Revenue Department
1. The Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data Mr.
Roderick B. Woo and his senior officers today (20 July) met with the
Acting Commissioner of Inland Revenue Mr. Tam Kuen-chong and senior
staff of the Inland Revenue Department (“the IRD”) to review existing
security measures which are designed to protect taxpayers’ personal
data.
2. The meeting was arranged in the wake of a recent
case in which the ICAC alleged that personal particulars of 13,400
taxpayers were recorded by one of IRD’s taxation officers for his
future personal use. The case came to light yesterday (19 July)
and the Privacy Commissioner has taken action to probe into the matter
as he is gravely concerned particularly in view of the wide
implications relating to the privacy of personal data.
3. “The IRD handles large amount of sensitive
personal data and it is of paramount importance that such data be
protected from unauthorized or accidental access, processing, erasure
or other use. I am glad that the IRD is taking a very serious and
responsible attitude in this matter. My Office will carry out a
full investigation with a view to rendering assistance to people who
are affected and preventing a similar occurrence in the future.” Mr.
Woo said.
4. During the meeting, the IRD gave an account of its
data handling system and security measures.
5. “Our Department is committed to conforming with
personal data privacy and has in place a proven system of internal
checks and control to ensure proper use of taxpayers’
information. In the wake of this unfortunate incident, we will
fully cooperate with the Privacy Commissioner and take all necessary
steps to strengthen our data protection system in safeguarding
taxpayers’ personal data.” Mr. Tam said.
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