A personal statement by Roderick Woo, the Privacy Commissioner

I was appointed for a fixed term of five years on 1 August 2005. I have now almost served out my term. In December last year I published an end-of term-work report setting out the accomplishments of my colleagues and I during the past few years. It also contained my views regarding the future which my successor will have to face.

I had not in the past indicated any interest in continuing with the job beyond my term.  I have today clearly told the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr. Stephen LAM that I do not wish to be considered for re-appointment or for the purpose of any recruitment selection process.

It is right and fitting for me to step down for a new Privacy Commissioner who, in all probability, will be younger but unavoidably less experienced in the regulatory field of personal data protection.

During my term, I have taken on many challenges and introduced various innovative measures to better perform the Privacy Commissioner’s functions and powers.  My term has been largely distinguished by the following : -
(i)  The initiation of investigations and inspection in response to public concern and expectation;
(ii)   The comprehensive review of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance and success in convincing the government that the privacy law has to be substantially amended;
(iii)   Greater international recognition for Hong Kong’s efforts in protecting personal data privacy;
(iv) The ever increasing transparency and accountability of the operation of the Commissioner’s Office; and
(v)  As affirmed by both the Director of Audit and the Legislative Council’s Public Accounts Committee, my efforts to economize on public expenditures.
 
I hope the Government will be able to appoint a successor who cares passionately about the protection of personal data privacy, because the work demands much more time and effort than a regular D5 rank civil servant would be expected to contribute.  He/she should have a sense of mission and know how to balance privacy right with other competing rights and the public interest.

In my view, the new Privacy Commissioner serving this city of more than seven million people should be mindful of:

(a)   The importance of the Privacy Commissioner’s  independent status so that he/she can carry out the functions and powers bestowed by law without fear or favour;
(b)   The continuing building of a new culture within the community where people’s privacy is given due respect;
(c)   The procurement of adequate resources from the Government to promptly carry out investigations and compliance checks as well as more inspections of organisations’ personal data systems, and not to neglect the often neglected promotion and education;
(d)  The urgent need to work with the Government and the Legislative Council to complete the law reform process bringing Hong Kong’s privacy law up to modern day international standard; and
(e)    The importance of maintaining Hong Kong’s reputation as Asia’s only independent privacy authority and the successful working relationship that has been built between international data privacy protection organisations.

It has indeed been an honour for me to serve the people of Hong Kong. I will do my best to facilitate the smooth transfer of leadership so that the work of protecting personal data privacy shall continue without any unnecessary disruption.


Roderick B. Woo
Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data



END