Introduction

Technology is developing rapidly in the digital age. In view of the challenges to personal data privacy posed by new technology and cybersecurity, as well as the rising expectations on protecting personal data privacy by members of the public, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, Hong Kong (PCPD) has been advocating that organisations should embrace the protection of personal data privacy as part of their organisations’ policies and culture.

The theme of the “Privacy-Friendly Awards 2025” (2025 Awards or Awards) is “Safeguarding Data Security: Marching towards a New Digital Era”, which aims to recognise the commitment and efforts of enterprises, public and private organisations as well as government departments in the protection of personal data privacy, while encouraging them to implement good data governance and enhancing their awareness of protecting personal data privacy and data security.

Under the Awards, five specified “Privacy Protection Measures” are required to win the Awards. Participating organisations that have implemented designated “Privacy Protection Measures” will be eligible for a Privacy-Friendly Award from the four tiers of Outstanding Gold, Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards. Besides, three new special awards, namely the “Best AI Governance Award”, “Best Data Protection Officer Award” and “Best Data Breach Response Plan Award”, are introduced to commend organisations for their outstanding performance in various aspects of the protection of personal data privacy.