Key facts
- Hong Kong transport authorities will explore secure storage of ride-hailing data.
- New ride-hailing regulations are due to take effect in August.
- The initiative aims to ensure compliance with national security requirements.
- Data privacy and security are emphasized, with strict adherence to regulations required.
- Personal data collected by platforms can only be used for ride-hailing services with user consent.
Hong Kong's transport authorities are set to "actively explore" secure storage solutions for ride-hailing data as new industry regulations approach implementation in August. This initiative is framed within the context of ensuring compliance with national security mandates.
Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan stated that the principle emphasis is on data safety and national security, requiring secure methods for data storage, transfer, and backup. While she did not specify if data must be stored within Hong Kong, she assured lawmakers that the issue would be handled with seriousness.
Deputy Secretary Kirk Yip Hoi-ying highlighted that the upcoming regulations include clauses pertaining to national security within the licenses granted to ride-hailing platforms. He stressed the importance of operators strictly adhering to privacy regulations given the volume of personal data involved. The stipulations will mandate that collected personal data is used solely for providing ride-hailing services, requiring explicit client approval. Authorities will investigate the safest and most appropriate data storage arrangements.