Letters | Hong Kong’s Covid vaccine lucky draws: don’t take chances with data privacy

It would be best if the government or reputed accounting firms administered the lucky draws

Coronavirus Hong Kong

Letters

Published: 9:00am, 26 Jun, 2021

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The commercial sector should be commended for coming up with a variety of lucky draws to push the uptake of Covid-19 vaccines; this has indeed boosted vaccination numbers (“ Platforms offer cash, iPhones to lure consumers in HK$5,000 e-voucher scheme”, June 19).

However, such lucky draw initiatives could be abused if participants are required to provide valuable contact information such as their names, addresses, telephone numbers and Hong Kong identity card number directly to commercial organisations to enter and win a prize.

It could be an abuse of privacy and security if this valuable personal data is provided to the sponsors of the lucky draw without clear understanding of how this data will be used once obtained. Already there has been a frenzy of publicity regarding the small flat being offered, which is basically free advertising for the developers.

There is not enough transparency or details on how these lucky draws would be administered or how the data obtained would be protected. Any campaign to boost the vaccination numbers is welcome, and the number of Hongkongers getting vaccinated is increasing as a result of the string of offers. Nevertheless, the specifics regarding the security and privacy issue cannot be ignored.

Why not use one app to help Hongkongers keep track of lucky draws?

I believe a reputable accounting firm or government authority should be responsible for all the personal data acquired during lucky draws of such magnitude. The commercial sector and sponsors of the lucky draws should not have access to the data for their own purposes.

Harriet Tung, The Peak

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