Commerce ministry warns businesses against sharing data on untrusted platforms

The Ministry of Commerce has issued a warning to businesses against sharing their data on untrusted platforms. On Wednesday, the ministry cautioned companies and institutions to refrain from uploading commercial, personal, or financial data onto unreliable websites or online platforms that claim to protect digital identities but lack official status.

Verifying the purpose and data protection measures of these platforms is challenging, making it crucial to avoid providing any unverified parties with sensitive information such as registration details, tax numbers, addresses, contact information, bank accounts, IBANs, documents, or any identifying data, unless the data's legitimacy and the legal basis for processing have been confirmed.

The ministry highlighted the surge in fake websites and platforms that promise various services, urging businesses and individuals to refrain from uploading and consolidating data on such platforms. The potential risks of data misuse or sharing with third parties increase when the platform operator, privacy policy, and intended use remain unclear. Furthermore, the ministry clarified that the use of logos or names similar to those of government entities does not signify any official affiliation.

To safeguard data, the ministry emphasized the importance of accessing government services exclusively through official channels and platforms. Businesses and individuals should verify the service provider before submitting any data and avoid sharing passwords, verification codes, or login credentials for government or bank accounts with any entity.

The ministry stressed that data protection is a collective responsibility and called upon the public to report any suspected commercial or online violations through official channels. Lastly, the ministry advised against responding to unsolicited links or services that request more information than necessary to deliver the service.