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Date: 19 July 2007
Privacy Commissioner probes into alleged misconduct concerning personal data of 13,400 taxpayers

1.    The Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, Mr. Roderick B. Woo has taken immediate action to probe into the media report that a taxation officer of the Inland Revenue Department has been charged with misconduct in public office by recording particulars of 13,400 taxpayers for his future personal use, contrary to common law.

2.    Mr. Woo said, "I am gravely concerned, for if the allegations are true, the matter can have very serious implications.  At this stage, I do not have sufficient information with which to assess the situation.  I have ordered an immediate enquiry to find out whether there has been a contravention of the requirements of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.  If any personal data have been unlawfully dealt with, my concern will be to render assistance to people who are affected and to prevent a similar occurrence in the future."

3.    "More specifically, I shall endeavour to find out whether the Inland Revenue Department has devised any policies, guidelines or instructions in relation to the collection, use and security of taxpayers' personal data; and what security measures the Department has taken to protect such data from unauthorized or accidental access.  Any such measures ought to have taken into account the integrity, prudence and competence of persons having access to the data." Mr. Woo added.

4.    Data users in Hong Kong are required to comply with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance, particularly Data Protection Principle 4 of the Ordinance, which provides that a data user shall ensure that personal data held by him are protected against unauthorized or accidental access, processing, erasure or other use having particular regard to any measures taken for ensuring the integrity, prudence and competence of persons having access to the data.


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