Government and public sector bodies are the bedrock of a functioning society. They are also the largest custodians of citizens' personal data, handling everything from identity and tax records to healthcare and social welfare information. Unlike private businesses, public sector data collection is often not a choice—it is a legal duty necessary for providing essential services.

This unique position creates a profound and non-negotiable responsibility under Hong Kong's Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (PDPO). For government departments, compliance is not just about following the law; it's about upholding public trust and demonstrating the highest standards of governance.

As of 2025, with digital transformation accelerating public services, here are the core principles government bodies must follow to stay aligned with the PDPO.

1. Uphold Public Trust Through Exemplary Transparency (DPP1 & DPP5)

While data collection by a government department may be mandatory, it does not override the principles of fairness and transparency. Citizens have the right to know what data is being collected, why it is being collected (the legal basis), and how it will be used.

• The Public Sector Mandate: Government bodies must be hyper-transparent. Every digital form, application, and service must be accompanied by a clear, easy-to-understand Personal Information Collection Statement (PICS). This statement is a cornerstone of accountability, building trust by showing that the government is open about its data practices.

• How Technology Helps: A modern data platform allows you to standardize and programmatically enforce the inclusion of a PICS on all data collection points, ensuring consistency and compliance.

2. Implement Fortress-Level Security for Citizen Data (DPP4)

The PDPO requires "reasonably practicable steps" to secure data. For a government department holding the comprehensive personal data of millions, this standard translates to an absolute duty to implement fortress-level security. Government databases are a top target for sophisticated cyber threats, and a breach can have devastating consequences for public trust and safety.

• The Public Sector Mandate: Security must be the default. This requires a Zero-Trust architecture, end-to-end encryption for all data, continuous monitoring, and robust internal access controls.

• The Walla Solution: Platforms like Walla, built on these principles of uncompromising security, provide the defense-grade infrastructure necessary to meet this heightened obligation. It ensures that citizen data is protected by default, not as an afterthought.

3. Ensure Lawful and Auditable Inter-Departmental Data Sharing (DPP3)

Efficient government requires data to flow between departments. However, Data Protection Principle 3 (DPP3) strictly limits the use of data to the purpose for which it was collected. Sharing data between the Inland Revenue Department and the Immigration Department, for example, must be governed by clear legal authority and purpose limitation.

• The Public Sector Mandate: Every instance of inter-departmental data sharing must be legally justified, minimized to what is necessary, and—critically—logged.

• The Walla Solution: A centralized platform with granular access controls and an immutable audit trail, like Walla, is essential. It allows an agency to grant specific, time-bound, and read-only access to another department. Every cross-departmental access event is recorded in an unchangeable log, providing the concrete evidence of lawful sharing that public accountability demands.

4. Modernize to Fulfill Citizen Rights Efficiently (DPP6 & DPP2)

Citizens have a legal right to access and correct their data (DPP6). Furthermore, data should not be kept indefinitely without a valid reason (DPP2). For government bodies running on fragmented, legacy IT systems, fulfilling these duties can be incredibly difficult and slow.

• The Public Sector Mandate: Government must be efficient, responsive, and accountable to its citizens.

• The Walla Solution: Modernizing with a secure, centralized platform like Walla addresses these challenges directly. Its centralized repository makes locating an individual’s data for a Data Access Request (DAR) straightforward and fast. Its automated lifecycle management features help agencies apply complex, legally-mandated retention schedules, ensuring compliance with both the PDPO and public records laws.

Conclusion: Governance in the Digital Age

For the public sector in Hong Kong, PDPO compliance is synonymous with good governance. It is the bedrock of the public’s trust in a digital government. To uphold this trust, government bodies must move beyond the risks of legacy systems and embrace modern platforms designed for the highest standards of security, transparency, and accountability.