Hong Kong privacy watchdog warns 3 domestic workers over use of employers’ data for loans

The Hong Kong privacy watchdog has issued warning letters to three foreign domestic workers who used their employers' personal data without permission to secure loans. Ada Chung, the commissioner of PCPD, made the announcement during a press conference on August 25, 2026. All three employers were unaware of the situation and did not give their consent for their personal data to be used in this manner.

The PCPD's investigation revealed that the domestic workers had used the employers' names, mobile phone numbers, and residential addresses to obtain loans from finance companies. Since these loans were unrelated to the workers' employment, they violated the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance. The privacy commissioner expressed concern that debt collectors may have been sent to the employers' homes if the borrowed amounts were not repaid.

Chung emphasized that while many employers recognize the contributions of foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) to their households, the unauthorized use of their personal data to apply for loans can cause unnecessary distress. All three domestic workers were subsequently dismissed after their employers discovered the misuse of their personal information.

The commissioner also urged affected employers to report such cases to the government, as this information could be taken into account when considering the workers' future return to Hong Kong. The watchdog reminded foreign domestic workers to obtain explicit consent before using their employers' personal information for purposes unrelated to their employment.