Privacy body probes data leak from FOI website

MANILA, Philippines — The National Privacy Commission (NPC) has initiated an investigation on the leak of some personal data of Filipinos who requested information on the government’s freedom of information (FOI) portal.

In a phone interview, privacy commissioner Raymund Liboro said they met with the data protection officer of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) last week to discuss the matter.

He said personal details of some who requested for information were released online as they have uploaded copies of their identification cards to the “supporting documents” field that are made publicly available.

Liboro said the PCOO has temporarily disabled the function as they try to address the gap and prevent similar incidents in the future.

He said the NPC may issue a compliance order to ensure that the data privacy of those who use the eFOI website are protected.

In a statement Friday night, FOI Philippines reiterated its commitment to protect the personal data of Filipinos even as seek to promote greater transparency and accountability in public service.

“The eFOI portal’s functionalities have strict instructions and clear notifications which the users are highly advised to read and follow in order to have his or her request processed efficiently and for breaches of personal information avoided,” it said.

“In case personal information was erroneously uploaded as an attachment to fields for public viewing, please immediately contact FOI Philippines,” it added.