The Senate has passed the Data Privacy Act. The bill is based on European Directive 95/46/EC and requires certain data security standards in addition to provisions on the handling of data by business process outsourcers (BPOs). It mandates public and private entities to protect and preserve the integrity, security and confidentiality of personal data collected in its operations and emphasizes the importance of complying with international data security standards. The bill’s author, Sen. Edgardo Angara, feels it will help spur investment in the Philippines BPO and IT sectors. Under the Act, a National Privacy Commission will be established to implement and enforce the regulations of the bill. “By establishing such a policy framework, we actually protect Internet freedoms while making sure the Web remains safe, “Angara said. “In this way, we reduce the risk for true harm to be inflicted and heighten the opportunity for our digital space to be a truly productive and collaborative venue.”
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