WSD Reports Missing PDA Containing Consumer Data, Launches Investigation and Notifies Affected Individuals.

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 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."

Source: AI-found images

Granting of stablecoin issuer licences

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced today (April 10) that the Monetary Authority has granted stablecoin issuer licences under the Stablecoins Ordinance to Anchorpoint Financial Limited and The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited for issuing stablecoins in Hong Kong. The licences take effect today.

According to the licensees' business plans, they intend to complete the necessary preparation work and launch business in the coming few months.

The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue,said, "The granting of stablecoin issuer licences is an important milestone for the development of digital assets in Hong Kong. The regulatory regime provides an orderly operating environment for stablecoin issuers to apply innovative technologies while ensuring robust user protection and effective risk management, which will foster the development of a healthy, responsible, and sustainable stablecoin ecosystem. We look forward to the issuers launching business according to their plans, exploring growth opportunities while properly managing risks. We hope their promotion of regulated stablecoins will address pain points in financial and economic activities, create values for both individuals and businesses, and support the healthy development of digital assets in Hong Kong."

The HKMA maintains a Register of Licensed Stablecoin Issuers, which contains the latest list of licensees and their relevant information including names, addresses, email contact and other particulars. The Register is available on the HKMA's website (link).

Members of the public should stay vigilant to fraudulent activities or scams that are purported to be associated with the licensees or their stablecoin issuance. If in doubt, members of the public may refer to the HKMA's Register or further reach out to the licensees for verification. When acquiring or using stablecoins, the public is reminded to do so only through regulated channels.

Source: AI-found images