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Response to data leakage by the Police
1.
Local newspapers reported today that some classified police
documents containing personal data were leaked on the internet through
a file-sharing software called "Foxy".
2.
The Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data Mr. Roderick B Woo is
very concerned about this matter. "I have written to the Police
to inquire into the incident and my Office will keep monitoring the
development of the incident, which may lead to a formal
investigation." Mr. Woo said.
3.
A Senior Superintendent of Police (Technology Crime and
Intelligence) (Commercial Crime Bureau) contacted the Office of the
Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data by phone this morning confirming
that the Police has publicly announced that some police officers had
used their personal computers to prepare police reports but
unfortunately the reports stored in their computers were leaked via
Foxy to other internet users. The Commissioner of Police would
presently provide the Privacy Commissioner with an initial update of
the incident in writing.
4.
"In the midst of a spate of data leakage incidents caused by the use of
file sharing software, I strongly urge all data users to stay alert
when processing personal data with computers equipped with software
which has a sharing function, and carefully tick off documents
containing personal data from the sharing list." Mr. Woo said.
END
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