Privacy Commissioner inquired into FSD data leakage incident

1.    In response to the news reports published yesterday (8 February 2009) that more than 60 restricted government documents were leaked on the internet through a file-sharing software “FOXY”, the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (“the Commissioner”), Mr. Roderick B. Woo had taken immediate action to probe into the incident.

2.    Even though yesterday was a Sunday, a letter of enquiry was dispatched to the Director of Fire Services Department (FSD) asking for a report on the incident.  A prompt and substantive reply to the Commissioner’s letter should assist him in deciding whether or not a formal investigation into the incident should be carried out.

3.    “I am heartened to learn from the media that the Secretary for Security Mr. Ambrose Lee expressed his commitment to the privacy protection of personal data.  I have therefore written to him to-day seeking his cooperation in the course of our enquiry.” Mr. Woo said.

4.    “In recent times, there have been many personal data leakage incidents which were caused by the use of file-sharing software.  The experience gained teaches data users to take special care when processing personal data with computers which are equipped with such software.  To ensure personal data privacy, data users should be conscious of the risks involved and take appropriate steps to exclude documents containing personal data from the sharing function."  Mr. Woo said.


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