MICA wants public feedback on proposed consumer data protection framework

The proposal includes regulation of the collection, use, disclosure, transfer and security of personal data.

The Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts (“MICA”) is seeking public feedback on the proposed consumer data protection (“DP”) framework and its implementation, through an online consultation platform from 13 Sep to 25 Oct 2011.

The proposed DP framework aims to protect consumers’ personal data through the regulation of the collection, use, disclosure, transfer and security of personal data. MICA hopes to introduce a basic broad-based DP law applicable to private organisations to create a balance between the need to protect individuals’ personal data vis-à-vis the need for organisations to use the data for legitimate and reasonable purposes. The intended framework also seeks to strengthen and entrench Singapore’s position as a trusted hub for businesses and create a conducive environment for the fast-growing global data processing and data management industries in Singapore. 

MICA would like to seek public feedback on the scope of coverage of the DP law, the proposed data management rules for organisations, the penalty and enforcement regulations as well as the transitional arrangements for organisations before the law is enforced. Another area where feedback is being sought is the proposal for a National Do-Not-Call (“DNC”) Registry, where consumers will be able to register their phone numbers to opt-out of unsolicited telemarketing calls or Short Message Service (“SMS”). 

Members of the public are invited to submit their views in writing or online through the website located at https://www.mica.gov.sg/dpconsultation by 25 Oct 2011 (5 pm). MICA hopes to propose a Data Protection Bill for further consultation in early 2012 following this public consultation.