Hello, privacy pros!

This week brought some enforcement actions in the region with Hong Kong’s Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data concluding its investigation in into Cathay Pacific’s October 2018 data breach, which affected the records of more than 9 million passengers. The PCPD’s report was critical of the airline’s data governance and has ordered it to appoint an independent expert to improve security, among other areas noted for improvement. Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Commission also took action this week against Ncode Consultant and Option Gift, with fines of $30,000 and $4,000, respectively, for unrelated violations of Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Act.

Enforcement and other key privacy topics are on the agenda for the IAPP’s Asia Privacy Forum 2019, which will take place in Singapore from 15 to 17 July. If you plan to attend and have not yet registered, do so soon to secure your space.

According to Privcore Managing Director Annelies Moens, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission is expected to release its final report on the Digital Platforms Inquiry 30 June. In her article for the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Moens previews the legislative changes likely to be recommended in the ACCC’s report. Organizations should anticipate significant increases to the maximum fines that may be applied under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

With a number of Privacy Awareness Week activities behind us throughout the region, here in Australia, we are turning our attention to the planning of KnowledgeNet events. The IAPP’s KnowledgeNet chairs play a crucial role in keeping us up to date on privacy developments and connected as a local professional community. With the recent appointment of Nina Yiannopoulos for Perth, the IAPP now has KnowledgeNet chairs in each of Australia’s five largest cities. Each city will have a local event between now and the IAPP’s ANZ Summit 29 to 30 Oct., so keep an eye out for your opportunity to learn something new and to enjoy the company of your fellow privacy professionals.

Finally, if you happen to have a smart assistant-powered device at home, you may be interested in reading my article "Alexa, teach my kids about privacy," in which I describe how Alexa’s privacy controls led to a kitchen table discussion with my family about privacy. It was a great opportunity to get my kids’ thoughts on how their personal information is collected and used and to explain a bit more about what I do as a privacy professional. I hope you enjoy it!