ICTO says New Data Privacy Bill to Bolster IT-BPO Industry



Image from APPI

24 August 2012

PRESS RELEASE

Information and Communications Technology Office

Contact Person: Roy Espiritu

 

New Data Privacy Bill to Bolster IT-BPO Industry

The newly signed Data Privacy act is expected to strengthen the Information Technology and Business Process Outsourcing (IT-BPO) Industry, by making Philippine legislation in line with International Data Privacy Standards, according to DOST-ICTO officials.

Louis Casambre, Executive Director of the Information and Communications Technology Office of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-ICTO) said that: “This measure will enable us to replicate our success in call centers in to other BPO segments such as healthcare outsourcing and HR outsourcing, where sensitive data is involved. We see this Act as keystone legislation that will strengthen our country’s position as a leader in IT-BPO. We laud the efforts of Congressional Commission on Science & Technology and Engineering (COMSTE) Chaired by Senator Angara, as well as the House ICT Committee headed by Congressman Dante Tiñga for successfully passing this legislation which industry has been clamoring for.”

Republic Act 10173, or the Data Privacy Act of 2012, was signed by President Aquino on 15 August 2012 makes the Philippines compliant with international data security standards, putting in place measures to protect and preserve the integrity, security and confidentiality of personal data collected by government and private entities in their operations.

 

Image from APPI.

Alejandro Melchor III Deputy Executive Director for ICT Industry Development added that: “The new law will help us sustain our momentum as an emerging global leader for shared services, one of the fasters growing segments of the IT-BPO industry. There are indications the market is selecting the Philippines as the preferred destination for this segment. RA 10173 also creates the National Privacy Commission under the Office of the President that will enforce the law, receive complaints, set investigations and impose requisite sanctions.

About DOST-ICTO

The Information and Communications Technology Office of the Department of Science and Technology is the Philippine Government’s lead agency on ICT related matters. Its primary thrusts are in the ICT Industry Development, eGovernment, ICT policy development, Internet for all and Cybersecurity.