Consumers need updated regulation to protect their personal data
Gilly Wong says that with the convenience of online products and services comes risks, including of companies that access too much of consumers’ personal information, and the government needs to adapt legislation to this reality
Envision for a moment the electronic bangle you wear on your wrist telling you your body’s condition and reminding you of how much water and exercise you need today. No more worries of forgetting to stock up on food, as milk, vegetables and fruits have been ordered via a smart system. Sit back and relax in a driverless car, speak your name on the mobile handset and, in an instant, you start rolling out commands for fund deposits, investments and so on.
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As the world’s major enterprises jump on the digital technology bandwagon, the major challenge facing the world is whether we have the necessary legislation to safeguard consumers’ personal information and privacy. To address the issue of e-commerce, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development has put together an expert team, with cross-government participation, to collect and disseminate information and devise legislation to protect consumer rights.
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No doubt the massive application of digital technology is inevitable. Business enterprises, however, should not seek to collect and use personal information not directly related to transactions; they should clearly list the information they need.
The Consumer Council looks to the government to keep pace with the changing times, review existing legislation and devise a new set of regulations, including protection of digital intellectual property and personal privacy.
Gilly Wong is chief executive of the Consumer Council