To enable data users to get a better grasp of the application of the provisions of the Ordinance when handling personal data, the PCPD has continued to participate actively in the Data Protection Officers' Club ("the DPOC"); now in its sixth year of operation. The DPOC provides an opportunity for data protection officers, from public and private sector organizations, to remain informed about developments in personal data privacy and the application of the provisions of the Ordinance to contemporary real life cases. In addition, the DPOC serves as a forum in which members can share their work experience in implementing the Ordinance as a means o f ensuring privacy compliance.

At present the DPOC has in excess of 200 members representing a broad spectrum of industries and public sector interests. To encourage greater participation, members have been encouraged to bring their colleagues or friends to DPOC meetings. This move has had the effect of expanding the membership network and the appeal of DPOC activities.

The following is a summary of some of the DPOC activities arranged over the year:

• Over 250 participants attended the first plenary meeting held on 7th May 2004. Guest speakers from the Hong Kong Police Force and the Immigration Department shared with DPOC members their views on the "Prevention of Identity Theft" and "Security Features of the Smart Identity Card".
  
  
• On the 6th August 2004 a sharing session, attended by 100 members, dealt with the topic of "How to Handle Data Access Requests." DPOC member Mr. Armen Lau Kit-man, Chief Inspector of the Hong Kong Police Force, shared his valuable experience in handling data access requests.
  
  
• In October and November the DPOC held a series of Data Protection Workshops relating to the "Protection of Employees' Personal Data" and "A New Approach to the Code of Practice on Consumer Credit Data." The workshops were well attended and participants were presented with a certificate of completion.
  
  
• Over 160 members attended the second plenary meeting on 27th January 2005. At the meeting members discussed the "Privacy Guidelines: Monitoring and Personal Data Privacy at Work."