DFA takes down passport tracker site

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has taken down its online passport tracker system over privacy issues that might expose the personal data of thousands of Filipinos.

The DFA said it was made aware of the data privacy issue involving the platform, which was launched last September to allow applicants to view the status of their passport application.

A report cited a misconfigured system, which allows the public to access the data.

The DFA said its Information Technology Unit is looking into the circumstances surrounding the issue and is taking appropriate measures to secure the data that may have been exposed.

“An internal audit will be conducted to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future,” the DFA said.

The DFA has yet to confirm if personal data of passport applicants were exposed.

The agency assured the public that it continues to prioritize the privacy of the data it handles in accordance with the Data Privacy Act.

The DFA said it is working with the National Privacy Commission in resolving the issue.