PCPD - Internet Surfing with Privacy in mind - A Guide for Individual Net Users Internet Surfing with

Publications and Videos

Leaflet & Form

Internet Surfing with Privacy in mind - A Guide for Individual Net Users

Introduction

The rapid development of the Internet has made an abundance of information easily accessible on-line to everyone who has a connection to it. As the Internet's information capacity increases, so too will the range of services and information available to the public. Undoubtedly, the Internet will enhance and eventually transform communication, education, commerce, the provision of government services, and virtually every other aspect of modern life.

However, accompanying these innovations are significant privacy issues. The issues relate to the risks associated with respect to the collection, use and security of personal data when one surfs the net for fun, information or to obtain goods or services. Of particular concern to individuals is the potential loss of their personal privacy if data about them are collected without their knowledge or are intercepted and misused for fraudulent or other purposes for which the individual does not intend the data to be used, e.g. profiling. This can occur when the individual provides personal details to gain access to an Internet service or when the individual communicates with someone else via Internet e-mails that contain sensitive information.

The Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance ("the Ordinance") provides individuals with the following privacy rights with respect to organisations based in Hong Kong:

to have their personal data collected in a manner which is lawful and fair and to be informed of the purposes for which the data are to be used;
to consent to a change of use of the data; to have their personal data kept accurate, up-to-date, secure and for no longer than necessary;
to obtain a copy of their personal data held by a data user and to require correction of any inaccuracy; to ascertain a data user's personal data policy and practices.

The main purpose of this Guide is to raise awareness of individuals of the privacy risks in using the Internet and to assist them to protect their privacy by alerting them to the precautionary actions that can be taken.

[Image of Previous Page][Image of image][Image of Next Page]

End of Page

[Annual Report] [Code of Practice/ Guideline & Explanatory Booklet] [Consultation Document/ Report] [Newsletter] [Guidance Note & Fact Sheet] [Leaflet & Form] [Opinion Survey] [Others] [Investigation Report / Inspection Report] [Information Book]

[About PCPD] [The Ordinance] [PCPD Activities] [Information Centre] [Privacy Zone for Youngsters (Games)]
[Publications & Videos] [Enquiries & Complaints] [Case Notes] [Contact Us] [Search] [Site Directory] [Graphical Version]
[Chinese Version]