CONSULTATION PAPER
PROPOSED CONSUMER DATA PROTECTION REGIME FOR SINGAPORE
PART I: INTRODUCTION 1.1
This Consultation Paper seeks views from the public on the proposed consumer Data Protection (“DP”) regime in Singapore.
1.2
DP concerns the regulation of the collection, use, disclosure, transfer and security of personal data. In general, a DP regime seeks to create a balance between the need to protect individuals‟ personal data against an organisation‟s need to obtain and process such data for legitimate and reasonable purposes.
1.3
The DP regime is intended to protect the interests of consumers and deliver economic benefits for Singapore. A DP regime will safeguard individuals‟ personal data against misuse, at a time when such data has become increasingly valuable for businesses and more easily collected and processed with infocomm technology. The development of a general DP regime will put Singapore on par with other advanced economies that have introduced DP laws. This will strengthen and entrench Singapore‟s position as a trusted hub for businesses, a key national economic strategy for Singapore.
1.4
The DP legislation is proposed to be a baseline law applicable to all organisations in Singapore, except organisations in the public sector, which are governed by an existing DP framework. The DP regime will operate concurrently with other legislative and regulatory frameworks that apply to specific sectors. The legislation will also provide for a Commission, referred to in this paper as the Data Protection Commission (“DPC”), to be set up to oversee compliance with the new DP legislation and to undertake DP education and awareness efforts.
1.5
MICA is seeking the public‟s views on topics including the scope of coverage of the proposed DP law, the proposed data management rules involving: the collection, use, disclosure of personal data; transfer of personal data outside Singapore; data accuracy; protection and retention of personal data; and access to and correction of personal data; penalty and enforcement approach; and transitional arrangements for organisations to comply with the new law. In addition, to address the increasing volume of unsolicited marketing activities via telephone, fax and Short Message System (“SMS”), MICA is also seeking views on the proposed setting up of a National Do-Not-Call (“DNC”) Registry as part of the consultation exercise.
1.6
We invite all interested persons to comment on the proposed approach and issues highlighted in this Consultation Paper. Respondents are also welcome to surface any other related issues pertaining to the subject matter.
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