PRIVACY OF PERSONAL INFORMATION

03.06.2009
Siti Nuraisyah Razali S3219155
Constance Kang S3214189
Sherilyn Nicole Soh S3219073
Janine Lee S3219062
Salmiahyus Yussof S3219185
Michelle Too S3219170
 INTRODUCTION

The topic: Privacy of personal information

The following presentation is based on the

report from NIAC and plotted out according to
research on some current measures the government
has taken to safeguard personal information in
Singapore
THE NEED FOR SINGAPORE
TO BOOST PROTECTION
It is an To attract investors
international trend
To work towards
To prevent identity Singapore’s goal of being
theft and other mischief the info-communication hub
of a fully networked world
To match the
advancement of the To impose discipline
technology (cyberspace) over technology
practitioners who are yet
To boost consumer to be regulated by any code
confidence of ethical behaviour
THE IMPORTANCE OF DATA
PROTECTION
Consumer Confidence: It is crucial to ensure
that there is a certain level of data protection so
that it would not hamper growth of e-commerce.
Consumer confidence in e-commerce market depends
largely on data protection

Harmonised regime: It is easier to have a set of

rules to follow than a diversified codes and
practices. This will translate to a lower
operational cost since there is only a set of
common requirements for global business to follow
 CON’T
Although not an EU nation, EU Directive prohibits
transfer of personal data to countries which do not
guarantee protection of such data

Thus causing a barrier for flowing of information

from EU countries to Singapore (Already happened to
our neighboring countries)

• EU is the 3rd largest export market in Singapore

CURRENT/ARISING PROBLEMS
Data protection law is not comprehensive enough

The regulation of data protection approach is too

traditional and lacks uniformity

No focus on protection for the private sector

Singapore does not take into consideration issues

such as rights to access and correction, accuracy
and data security
 POSSIBLE CONSQUENCES
Loss of reputation for local businesses as
responsible corporate citizens because an
information privacy scandal can be more costly

Future enactment of data protection laws in

Singapore would be impeded

Modern technologies present ample opportunities

for rumour-mongers to generate high level of
paranoia, hence undermining investments

Inconsistent data protection regimes makes

monitoring and auditing by relevant authorities
difficult and confusing amongst consumers
 POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
Desirable to have effective data protection in Singapore’s
private sectors

The data protection regime could follow the guidelines of

international standard

Voluntary data protection guidelines should be given

official recognition

Access and correction rights for the data protection regime

should not be limited to Singapore residents

Certain type of data or data processing may be exempted

from the application of some or all the data protection rules
 CONCLUSION

Loan sharks will no longer be able to publicize the details

of debtor. Doing so would be considered an illegal act

This signifies that personal information will be strongly

protected

Foster awareness that there are data protection laws in

place for the general public
THANK YOU.