It’s no secret that the Philippine government has taken data privacy seriously over the years. From the start, its laws have provided strong protections for citizens’ personal information. And these days, the country continues to see improvements in many areas. Such as data breach notification requirements and data protection rules for businesses.
To understand more about the current state of data protection in the Philippines, we reached out to Pecabarua Law Office. According to the firm’s data privacy lawyers, here are the best things about data protection in the Philippines today.
A very good legal framework for data protection
First, let’s talk about what makes the Philippines such a good country for data protection. As the lawyers at Pecabarua Law Office told us, the country has a very good legal framework for data protection. This starts with the Data Privacy Act of 2012. Hence, provides that personal information is protected from willful, unauthorized or unlawful access and disclosure.
In addition to this law, there is also a Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC). In addition, to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The PDPC enforces policies related to information privacy laws and protects Filipinos against any form of identity theft. The agency also makes sure that companies adhere to any privacy policy they have established. As you can see, there’s a lot of good legal groundwork here for Philippine citizens—and anyone who does business in the country.
It’s getting better all the time
In recent years, the Philippine government has been making some big strides in terms of data privacy—including regulations designed to protect children and elderly Filipinos from identity theft. In fact, there is an active effort by Congress and other government agencies to make [data protection] easier.
The firm highlighted recent bills that would require companies to offer cyber security training programs as well as impose stiff penalties for companies that fail to comply with rules around cybersecurity. These regulations aren’t currently law, but many believe they will be in 2017. If they do pass, they will be excellent additions to existing laws protecting personal information in the country.
It’s not too late for small businesses to start protecting themselves
While there is plenty of good news when it comes to Philippine data protection laws, there are still some areas where businesses could improve their practices—such as with cybersecurity training programs for employees and customers.
Small businesses still have time to implement measures against hacking or other cyber crimes since the laws on cybersecurity are still evolving.” The firm also told us that there is a lack of awareness around data privacy, despite the fact that a lot of people in the country use the Internet. In other words, it’s not too late for small businesses to start protecting themselves and their customers against cybercrime.
Data protection policies are becoming more important than ever
Another trend Pecabarua Law Office is seeing in the Philippines is an increased focus on data protection policies. While this might not seem like a big deal, it can be quite useful when it comes to identifying potential risks, protecting personal information and complying with laws.
Hence, it is best to consult legal counsel before drafting a data protection policy to ensure compliance with the Data Privacy Act and PDMSEC [Personal Data and Consumer Protection Act]. In other words, while many companies have already adopted a data privacy policy, it’s clear that more companies will need to adopt one in the future—and make sure it includes all relevant information.
It’s getting easier all the time for citizens to report violations
Philippine citizens who have concerns about their private data have quite a few options that are available to them these days—including several online services designed to make reporting violations easier than ever before.
There are also portals for students where they can gather information about their rights [and] online forums where you can get advice from experts.” With so many options available to them, citizens should have no trouble filing complaints or seeking legal advice if they feel they need it.
Filipinos are becoming more aware of what they can do to protect themselves against cybercrime
As a result, more people are turning to technology for help—and adopting safer passwords and password managers. They’re also learning how to spot phishing emails and protect their personal information from hackers. In other words, it looks like Philippine citizens are doing a great job at protecting themselves against cybercrime.