Data hk is an online repository of high quality research datasets from Hong Kong. By making this collection of data freely available to the global community, researchers from a wide range of disciplines can more easily access and reuse it for new and important research. This can help to drive scientific advancement and innovation in the world.
The datasets are curated by the Hong Kong Academy for Information Technology (HKATI), and maintained in partnership with several leading academic institutions around the world. It is a valuable resource for both local and international researchers, particularly for those who do not have the means to obtain such data themselves. It is also a valuable tool for Hong Kong businesses to use in the course of their operations overseas.
In the absence of a statutory restriction on the transfer of personal data outside Hong Kong, the PCPD has sought to adopt global best practice in relation to cross-border personal data transfers. In doing so, it has been seeking to encourage business to adhere to the principles of transparency and good data ethics in respect of their handling of personal data.
For example, it is a requirement under the PDPO that a person who has operations controlling the collection, holding, processing or use of personal data informs a data subject on or before collecting the data about the purposes for which the information will be used. This is a requirement that has been replicated in other data protection laws, including the GDPR.
Another requirement is that the data user not allow the personal data to be transferred to a location in a country which does not have laws comparable to the PDPO unless it is necessary for the fulfilment of the purpose for which it was collected (section 33, PDPO). This requirement has been replicated in other data protection laws, and again this is a requirement that is consistent with the principles of transparency and good data ethics.
In addition, a data importer is required to agree to standard contractual clauses proposed by an EEA data exporter or contribute to a transfer impact assessment in circumstances where it receives personal data of EEA persons from a data exporter in the EEA and is likely to process that personal data in Hong Kong. While the steps in these provisions are less onerous than those imposed under the GDPR, it is still an obligation that businesses must consider when they engage in international data transfers. This is especially so given the volume of cross-border data flow arising from the “one country, two systems” principle in mainland China. Further, the scope of personal data will increase significantly as mainland China becomes more closely integrated into Hong Kong’s business and social life. This will make it all the more important for businesses to be mindful of their obligations in this regard.