The Right to be left Alone

I had the privilege to attend a public lecture concerning data protection law which drew a big crowd.

Many commented that the lecture was interesting, lucid and informative. I couldn't agree less.

Privacy is not exclusively meant for celebrities alone. All of us are endowed with privacy rights.

The right to be left alone. This was introduced by US Judge Thomas Cooley as early as in the 1888.

Our world is exposed and unprotected against intrusion , more than before.

Our privacy is at a stake. Our personal data are utilised againt our wishes. Here and then, we receive anonymous calls, unwanted attention, e-mail scams , etc that attacks our privacy. Our personal information are provided largely  to banks, government agencies, corporations, websites and many organizations .

To what extent these information  are being used appropriately and treated P&C?

Exposed, unfortunately. An ongoing breach and violation of our privacy.

The unscrupulous dirty business of data selling.

The sale of personal data is as low as 10 cent and could fetch at higher price for well-known figure's data.

The closest call for privacy law involved the legislation of data protection law which had evolved gradually in US (Privacy Act 1974) and EU (Data Protection Directive) . It is a late start for Asian countries but it is better than never.Singapore is reported to debate the personal data protection legislation in the Parliament by early 2012. Malaysia has legislated the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 which although has been passed, assented and gazetted but has yet to come into force. Hong Kong has its Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance but is said to be at its embryonic state and inadequate.

Do we question the questionnares  listed in the survey form, credit card application form and all sorts of form that request for our personal information? It's time to question whether we should fill our particulars in all the columns. Is it relevant to ask your car registration number when you fill in a lucky draw contest? Is it relevant to ask your salary income when you fill in a CD purchase form? Do we blindly fill in eveything ?

You have the right not to disclose your personal information to anyone when it is not necessary.

Simply because- you have the right to be left alone.