Greetings, fellow privacy professionals,

The talk of the town is still very much centered on China's Data Security Law, and there has been a lot of interest in this topic. We had a great IAPP KnowledgeNet with speakers from international law firms based in China sharing their thoughts on the new law's impact on multinational businesses.

I would also like to direct you to some other great thought leadership posts from fellow IAPP co-chairs and members on this topic: "Regulation of a digital economy," "What multinational businesses need to know," and a great overall summary outlining the key legal and compliance requirements imposed by the Data Security Law of China.

Big Tech is aggressively pushing privacy technology improvements, with the growing trend of using privacy as a business advantage. Apple released news on iOS 15 that will allow users to monitor and better control their data use with a series of new features in their products and services. Google also kicked up its efforts to keep pace with rivals, outlining the privacy updates on the official Android developer's blog, with one of the core features being the advertising ID.

In Hong Kong, Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data Ada Chung Lai-ling attended the 55th Asia Pacific Privacy Authorities Forum. 

Major themes discussed at the APPA Forum included:

• Legislative developments in the protection of personal data.
• Privacy issues in the new normal post-COVID-19.
• Use of emerging technologies and engagement with industries.
• Children's and adolescents' privacy.
• Formulating global standards in data protection.

Contact tracing will continue to be an ongoing concern, and some in Australia labeled this recent case a "massive breach of trust" when it was reported local police had the ability to access data from contract tracing app SafeWA. A lack of trust with these contract tracing apps will continue to be a barrier for more widespread adoption. Recent data suggests more than 70% of respondents said they would not use these apps due to privacy concerns in some regions. This issue extends beyond contact tracing apps to health-related apps in general. A recent survey of more than 20,000 apps found "collection of personal user information" was "pervasive." 

Finally, after more than 25 blog posts over the last years, I am taking a break from writing while I refocus my efforts into helping promote security and privacy in different ways, both locally and globally. It has been a pleasure to write for the IAPP, and I look forward to continuing my close involvement with IAPP's Asia Board, leading regional initiatives and contributing to IAPP's Privacy Faculty and more. 

Signing off for now!

Keep safe, keep secure.