Thailand’s PDPC reminds companies to mind their data P’s & Q’s

Thailand‘s Personal Data Protection Committee (PDPC) issued a stern reminder to companies and government bodies to prioritise the safeguarding of personal data. This call to action comes in response to an uptick in complaints regarding privacy violations this year.

Siwaruk Siwamogsatham, PDPC Secretary-General, disclosed that 342 people have lodged complaints about data security breaches within the first nine months of the year. A significant portion of these, specifically 63 complaints, targeted state agencies, holding them responsible for data privacy breaches.

The complaints span various sectors, including 29 related to finance, 23 concerning insurance, five involving telecommunication, and four linked to online sales. Of the total complaints received, 273 are actively being processed, said Siwaruk.

“Complainants are desperate for an answer.”

Many people approached the relevant companies or state agencies to file their grievances, only to find the investigation process moving at a sluggish pace.

Siwaruk warned that any delay in addressing these concerns could result in substantial fines. He emphasised the necessity for companies and agencies to adhere strictly to the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), ensuring personal data is neither leaked nor stolen.

The PDPC is actively working to elevate awareness regarding the significance of information security among related agencies. There’s a particular focus on safeguarding personal data within businesses and commercial sectors, as emphasised by Siwaruk, reported Bangkok Post.

People who believe their personal data has been compromised are encouraged to submit a petition to the PDPC. This can be done at the PDPA Centre located on Chaeng Watthana Road, either in person or through online channels such as the PDPC website or email. The PDPC is equipped to offer advice and legal support to those who file petitions.

In related news, a dark web data leak has exposed the personal details of 19.7 million members of the Department of Older Persons (DOP) in Thailand, sparking the Thailand Consumers Council to prompt immediate action.