How Data Protection Laws Affect Tech Data HK
Data is becoming a new kind of capital, a crucial economic factor in the production of digital goods and services. A carmaker can’t build a new model without the necessary financial capital; a search engine can’t function without the collection of user data. This new role for data is reshaping the business landscape, with implications for competitive strategy and corporate governance.
Amid the broader debate on data privacy, a number of Hong Kong organizations are taking action to ensure their data is safe and secure. Some are creating their own data management systems, while others are implementing policies to protect their sensitive information. Others are establishing partnerships with data protection authorities to comply with regulatory requirements and ensure their data is protected abroad.
The Hong Kong government has a strong track record on data protection, with stringent laws in place to safeguard personal information. These include the PDPO, which sets data subject rights and specific obligations for data controllers, as well as six core data protection principles. In addition, it has taken steps to strengthen cross-border enforcement of the PDPO.
Tech Data HK serves as the essential link in the technology ecosystem, connecting wholesalers, resellers, retailers and end-users with solutions best suited to their needs. Its unique position in the channel market, coupled with Allied Telesis’ software advancements—known as Network AI (or Software-Defined Networking SDN)—solve problems caused by existing technologies, reduce compliance costs and create more opportunities for customers.
In the case of staff cards, for example, a combination of personal details such as name, company, photograph and employee number may be considered personal data. Therefore, the PDPO stipulates that such information must be stored securely and not made available to unauthorised persons or used for purposes other than those for which it was collected. In addition, a data user must use contractual or other means to ensure its agents or contractors comply with the PDPO when collecting, processing or using personal data.