The National Privacy Commission Pushes for a Stronger Law on Data Privacy

A more comprehensive data privacy law is being urged by the National Privacy Commission (NPC) amidst the country’s continued rapid digitalization.

The House of Representatives – Committee on Information and Communications Technology has approved the substitute bill to amend the Data Privacy Act (DPA) or Republic Act No. 10173, Privacy Commissioner Raymund Enriquez Liboro expressed during the 55th Asia Pacific Privacy Authorities (APPA) Forum.

The amendments are aimed at giving the NPC the authority to issue summons, subpoenas, contempt powers, and to impose administrative penalties.

“In the last five years, the National Privacy Commission has laid down data privacy in the Philippines with a clear roadmap. In our drive to become a data privacy resilient country, we have adopted a responsive regulatory approach characterized by raising awareness, strict compliance, and enforcing the law. To do this, we find a need to amend the current DPA to keep up with the changing times,” said Liboro.

Other provisions cover the inclusion of biometric data, genetic data, and political affiliation as “sensitive personal information”; clarifying the extraterritorial application of the DPA; defining the digital age of consent to more than 15 years old; modifying criminal penalties under the DPA.

To further enhance digital privacy accountability and resilience among personal information controllers (PICs) and personal information processors (PIPs), the NPC is also planning to introduce administrative fines.

The Commission continues on its mission to foster and promote a safe online environment throughout the country as it implements various advocacy campaigns and projects.

Source: Manila Bulletin