In a strongly-worded statement, the privacy body said science and medical ethics dictate that publicly naming Covid-infected individuals is counterproductive and won’t help in decreasing the transmission of infection.
Among the guidelines contained in Advisory No. 2020-1 that the Data Privacy Council Education Sector issued recently is that schools must consider getting the consent of the parent or legal guardian of students below 18 years old before webcam-supported online discussions are recorded.
The statement comes in light of inquiries and information communicated to National Privacy Commission that private establishments as well as some government agencies collect signatures and other personal data that are immaterial in contact-tracing efforts.
The National Privacy Commission (NPC) has warned the Philippine National Police (PNP) that it cannot go beyond the boundaries set by law for its plan to monitor social media for quarantine violators.
Eight and four years into their existence, the Data Privacy Act and the National Privacy Commission respectively are at a crucial junction. If they are to remain relevant not just in the local regulatory ecosystem, but in the overall consciousness of Filipinos and residents alike, they have to confront difficult issues head on and with consistency.
The NPC said the Data Privacy Act is not a hindrance to contact tracing initiatives, stressing that it seeks to protect individuals from discrimination, harassment, and acts of social vigilantism amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Jam Jacob: “For public interest to justify the disclosure of prison records, a specific ground must still be identified. However, there are sufficient grounds under the Data Privacy Act that allow the sharing or disclosure of such records.”
In its latest bulletin, the National Privacy Commission (NPC) reminded businesses, particularly restaurants, salons and barber shops, to collect only what is necessary.
