Public Seminar on "Personal Data Protection for Senior Citizens"

1.    To cope with the theme of this year’s Privacy Awareness Week (“PAW”), the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (“PCPD”) held a public seminar on “Personal Data Protection for Senior Citizens” today (4 May) to convey the importance of protecting and respecting privacy to the elderly.

2.    Privacy Commissioner, Mr. Roderick B. Woo said, “The elderly are more susceptible to identity theft, telemarketing fraud and other rip-offs.  As more and more senior citizens use the Internet, online scams are of increasing concern.  To help them recognize potential data privacy risks and prevent them from being victimized by crime and financial exploitation, the PCPD is offering a wide range of educational activities and tools throughout the PAW.”

3.    The above-mentioned seminar was held at St. James’ Settlement at Wan Chai.  Celebrities were invited to attend as officiating guests to remind the audience of the importance of personal data protection.  Officiating guests included Mr. Michael Lai, Chief Executive Officer of St. James’ Settlement; Dr. Leong Che-hung, Chairman of the Elderly Commission; Ms. Connie Lau, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council; Mr. Stephen Fisher, former Director of Social Welfare; and Mr. Wu Fung, renowned artist.

4.    In the seminar, a booklet, “Personal Data is Essential – for the Elderly”, which was specially designed to remind senior citizens to protect their personal data in the daily life was distributed.  The booklet can be obtained from the office of the PCPD or downloaded from its website (www.pcpd.org.hk).

5.    Moreover, the PCPD joined hands with the members of the Asia Pacific Privacy Authorities (including Australia, Canada, Hong Kong and New Zealand) in the design of an online self-assessment system for personal data privacy awareness.  Through this system, senior citizens can evaluate if their awareness of personal data protection is adequate.  The system is available at the PCPD’s website (www.pcpd.org.hk/english/infocentre/pubinterest_online.html).

6.    In the coming months, staff of the PCPD will hold seminars for the elderly at different elderly centres throughout Hong Kong, educating them how to handle their and their family members’ personal data carefully.


END