WSD Reports Incident of Loss of Domestic Consumers' Personal Data

WSD reports incident of loss of domestic consumers' personal data

The Water Supplies Department (WSD) received a report on April 8 and confirmed upon investigation that a personal digital assistant (PDA) containing consumers' data was found missing during field meter-reading work conducted by a staff member of the WSD on the same day. The PDA was the staff member's work equipment.

The spokesman said that the PDA contained a total of 495 names and addresses of domestic consumers from three buildings in Fortress Hill. Apart from one consumer's information that contained a telephone number, other information involved did not contain any personal identity card numbers or other personal information.

Regarding the incident, the WSD has notified the relevant authorities including the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data and the Digital Policy Office, and also made a report to the Police. The WSD will fully co-operate with the relevant authorities and the Police in their investigations and operations.

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, Photo source: reference image

The Digital Policy Office, Photo source: reference image

The WSD has informed the consumers referenced above of the incident, alerted them to raise their awareness, and apologised for the incident. If consumers concerned have further enquiries on the incident, they may call the WSD's customer services hotline at 2824 5000 or send an email to wsdinfo1@wsd.gov.hk.

The spokesman for the WSD stressed, "The department attaches great importance to the incident, adding that immediate follow-up actions were taken. The department has reminded staff that they must heighten their vigilance and properly safeguard government property. They must also strictly follow guidelines regarding the proper handling and confidentiality of personal data. Meanwhile, the department is conducting a detailed investigation into the personnel involved and the circumstances of the incident. Depending on the findings, appropriate disciplinary action may be considered. The Department will also conduct a detailed review of the equipment and procedures used by staff during field meter-reading work, and explore measures to strengthen data protection."

The Water Supplies Department (WSD), Photo source: reference image

Fatal traffic accident in Kowloon City

Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident happened in Kowloon City today (May 19), in which a man died.

Police received a report at 5.34pm that a motorcycle driven by a 23-year-old man was travelling along Boundary Street eastbound. When approaching the junction of Boundary Street and College Road, it reportedly cut the lane and collided with a school bus travelling towards the same direction, driven by a 61-year-old man.

Sustaining serious head injuries, the man was rushed to Kwong Wah Hospital in unconscious state and was certified dead at 6.02pm.

The school bus driver was arrested for dangerous driving causing death and is being detained for enquiries.

Investigation by the Special Investigation Team 1 of Traffic, Kowloon West is under way.

Anyone who witnessed the accident or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers. The contact number is 3661 9023.

Source: AI-found images