Three helpers warned for using bosses' data for loans

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data issued warning letters to three foreign domestic helpers who misused their employers' personal data for loan applications without consent. This came after the watchdog received complaints from employers of the helpers. The three helpers were dismissed after they defaulted on repayments.

They admitted to providing their employers' personal information, such as names, home addresses, and phone numbers, to local and overseas lenders for loan applications. One helper applied to four financial institutions for loans. Privacy Commissioner Ada Chung stated that the helpers violated the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance by using their employers' particulars for loan applications without obtaining permission.

Chung explained the requirements of the ordinance to the helpers and informed them that they would not commit the same mistake in the future. The three are required to comply with the ordinance strictly, and they will not be prosecuted. The watchdog urged employers to make it clear that their personal information can only be used for employment-related matters and that helpers should obtain their consent before using it for other purposes.

The watchdog also prepared a pamphlet in Tagalog and Bahasa Indonesia to raise awareness among migrant workers about the use of employers' personal data. Enhanced regulations for licensed money lenders, which took effect recently, are expected to result in fewer complaints or inquiries about the misuse of employers' data by foreign domestic helpers.